Richard Coles

Biography

Reverend Richard Coles is a broadcaster, writer, and former Church of England priest. In a remarkably varied career he hosted Radio 4's Saturday Live for twelve years, found fame as one half of the band, The Communards, has written mystery novels, and came third in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

After enjoying three UK Top Ten hits with The Communards, including the biggest-selling single of 1986, Don't Leave Me This Way, Richard took to writing and religion. He trained for a priesthood in the Church of England - becoming what could only be described as a ‘very modern’ vicar. He was Curate at St Botolph’s in Lincolnshire, before moving to St Paul's Knightsbridge, and becoming Chaplain to the Royal Academy of Music. His career in the church inspired the hit BBC2 comedy Rev.

He recounted his journey from ‘pop star to parson’ in his honest, amusing, moving and best-selling memoir Fathomless Riches. In his book Bringing in the Sheaves, Richard writes about his first ten years in the ministry, and his continuing career in media. His novel Murder Before Evensong, is the first in his Canon Clement Mystery series.

Multi-talented Richard has turned his hand to acting, penned music for film and TV, served up advice as ‘agony uncle’ on BBC London, and won a Sony Gold for his Radio 5 Live show. He continues to work in broadcasting, frequently appearing on shows including Have I Got News for You, QI and Would I Lie to You? He has co-presented BBC One’s The Big Painting Challenge, competed in MasterChef, won Celebrity Mastermind and University Challenge, and has the distinction of performing “the worst Paso Doble in the history of Strictly Come Dancing”.