Rev Richard Coles – Biography, Books in Order, and Partner Update

The Extraordinary Life of Rev Richard Coles: Priest, Pop Star, and Author

Rev Richard Coles began his public life as the saxophonist in the 1980s pop duo The Communards, trading Number One hits for a cassock and collar. Few figures in British public life have navigated such a dramatic transformation: from pop stardom to the Anglican priesthood, and then to a successful career as a broadcaster and best-selling crime novelist. Known affectionately as “Britain’s most famous Vicar,” Coles has built a unique career that blends faith, music, and storytelling in equal measure.

Born in Northampton in 1962, Coles spent his teenage years as a chorister before moving to London as a young man. There, he met Jimmy Somerville and helped form The Communards, a band that defined the mid-80s gay music scene. After the group disbanded, Coles spent years in Ibiza before turning to theology, eventually being ordained as a Church of England priest in 2005. His memoir and subsequent novels, particularly the Canon Clement Mysteries, have cemented his reputation as a writer with an insider’s view of church life.

Today, Coles is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4, a regular commentator on faith and culture, and an author whose books regularly top the charts. His life story is one of reinvention and resilience, and his public persona balances the sacred and the secular with a rare ease.

What Books Has Rev Richard Coles Written and in What Order?

• Richard Coles is one of the few British public figures to successfully transition from pop stardom to Anglican priesthood.
• His Canon Clement Mysteries series blends his clerical experience with crime fiction, appealing to mystery fans and those interested in church life alike.
• He maintains a strong media presence via BBC Radio 4’s ‘Saturday Live’ and his own podcast.
• His personal life, particularly his relationship after the death of his partner, garners significant public curiosity but is handled with discretion.

The Canon Clement Mysteries in publication order

Coles is a best-selling author with twelve books to his credit. His flagship series, the Canon Clement Mysteries, follows Canon Daniel Clement, the rector of the fictional village of Champton (Filmingon) in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The series debuted with Murder Before Evensong in 2022, which became a number one best-seller. Subsequent titles include Murder Under The Mistletoe, A Heist Before Bedtime, A Death on Location, Murder at the Monastery, A Death in the Parish, and The Rabbit Hole Book. The series combines his intimate knowledge of church life with the conventions of a cozy crime novel.

Other non-fiction books by Richard Coles

Before turning to fiction, Coles wrote several non-fiction works. Fathomless Riches (2014) is his memoir, detailing his journey from pop star to priest. He also authored Lives of the Improbable Saints (2012) and Legends of the Improbable Saints (2013), collections that explore the eccentric and lesser-known figures from Christian history. These books reflect his scholarly interest in theology and his accessible, often witty, writing style.

Upcoming and announced titles

Coles continues to write. The next installment in the Canon Clement series is expected, though no official publication date has been confirmed at the time of writing. A television adaptation of the series is in development, though no cast or air date has been announced yet.

Who Is Rev Richard Coles’ New Partner?

Coles has spoken publicly about his personal life in interviews, but he remains notably discreet about his current relationship. He has mentioned in media appearances that he has a new partner, but has not shared his name, the timeline of their relationship, or other identifying details. His official website does not address this subject.

Current relationship status (2025)

As of 2025, it is known that Coles is in a relationship, but very little is publicly confirmed. The limited information available comes from interviews, where Coles has referred to a partner without providing further detail. This discretion is consistent with his approach to privacy.

Previous relationship and late partner

Coles was in a long-term relationship with a man named David, who died in 2019. The couple were together for several years, though they were not married. Coles has spoken about his grief following David’s death in various interviews, describing it as a profound loss. He has no publicly known children.

What Was Rev Richard Coles’ Role in the Communards?

Coles was the saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist in The Communards, the pop duo he formed with Jimmy Somerville. The band took its name from the 1871 Paris Commune. Coles had previously played saxophone in Bronski Beat, Somerville’s earlier group, before the two left to form their own act in 1984. The Communards achieved three UK top-10 hits.

The Communards: hits and legacy

Their biggest success was a cover of “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” which reached Number One in 1986 and became the best-selling single of the year in the United Kingdom. The song remains a defining anthem of the 1980s pop era. The band’s music was closely tied to the lesbian and gay rights movement of the time, and their success came during the height of the HIV and AIDS crisis, a period that deeply affected Coles’s personal circle.

From pop star to ordination

After The Communards disbanded in 1988, Coles spent time in Ibiza, an experience he has described as a period of personal exploration that included taking ecstasy. He then pursued a degree in theology at King’s College London, studying between 1990 and 1994. Though the idea of ordination came into focus quickly, he delayed pursuing it for a decade while working as a radio presenter for BBC Radio 3. He was selected for training at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield in 2003 and was ordained as a priest in 2005.

Did Rev Richard Coles Appear on Strictly Come Dancing?

Yes, Richard Coles competed in the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. He was paired with professional dancer Dianne Buswell. The couple were eliminated in the fifth week of the competition, but his participation introduced him to a significantly wider audience. The show humanised him beyond his clerical role and boosted his public profile, contributing to increased book sales and media appeal.

Other notable media appearances

Beyond Strictly, Coles has an extensive media career. He is a regular presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live and has his own podcast. He has been a guest on numerous television and radio programmes, offering commentary on faith, culture, and current affairs. His media presence is notable for its warmth and intellectual curiosity, bridging the gap between religious life and mainstream entertainment.

How Old Is Rev Richard Coles and What Is His Background?

Richard Keith Robert Coles was born on March 26, 1962, in Northampton, England. He grew up in Northamptonshire and was a chorister at Wellingborough School. In his adolescence, his voice changing during a choir performance also revealed his sexuality, a difficult experience in a conservative environment. At age 18, he moved to London as a gay runaway, escaping the difficulties he faced in Kettering. He met Jimmy Somerville in London, which led to his music career.

Journey to the priesthood

After The Communards disbanded, Coles studied theology at King’s College London between 1990 and 1994. He delayed ordination for ten years, working as a radio presenter at BBC Radio 3. In 2003, he was selected for training at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, and he was ordained as a deacon in 2004 and as a priest in 2005. His early ministry included serving as a curate at St Botolph’s Church in Boston, Lincolnshire, and later at St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, London. From 2011 to 2022, he was the Vicar of Finedon, Northamptonshire, where two of his ancestors had served as Vicars in the 17th century. He retired from parish duties in 2022 to focus on writing and broadcasting.

Is Richard Cant Related to Rev Richard Coles?

No, Richard Cant is not related to Rev Richard Coles. They are different individuals who are sometimes confused because of the similarity in their names.

Clarifying the name confusion

Richard Cant is an English actor, known for stage and screen work. Richard Coles is a priest, author, and former musician. The two are separate people with no known familial or professional connection. The confusion arises purely from the phonetic resemblance of their surnames, but this is an error with no basis in fact.

Richard Cant’s career (actor)

Richard Cant is a professional actor who has appeared in television, film, and theatre productions. His career is entirely distinct from that of Richard Coles, and no credible source links them.

Timeline: Key Life Events of Rev Richard Coles

1. 1962: Born in Northampton.
2. 1984: Forms The Communards with Jimmy Somerville.
3. 1986: “Don’t Leave Me This Way” reaches Number One in the UK.
4. 1988: The Communards disband.
5. 1990–1994: Studies theology at King’s College London.
6. 2003: Selected for training at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield.
7. 2005: Ordained as a priest in the Church of England.
8. 2011: Becomes Vicar of Finedon, Northamptonshire.
9. 2014: Publishes his memoir, Fathomless Riches.
10. 2017: Appears on Strictly Come Dancing.
11. 2022: Retires from parish ministry; publishes Murder Before Evensong, the first Canon Clement Mystery.
12. 2025: Continues writing, hosting Saturday Live, and releasing new books.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Rev Richard Coles?

What Is Rev Richard Coles’ Cultural Significance?

Richard Coles represents a unique blend of pop culture and religious life, challenging stereotypes about clergy. His career is a rare example of a public figure successfully inhabiting two worlds that are often seen as incompatible. His writing often mines his experiences as a vicar, providing authentic background for his mystery novels. He has become a familiar voice on BBC radio, offering thoughtful commentary on current affairs and faith. His Strictly Come Dancing appearance humanised him to a wider audience, increasing his book sales and media appeal. He was also the inspiration for the character “Tom” in the Bridget Jones novels and the protagonist in the BBC comedy Rev.

Sources and Quotes

“I’ve had a life that’s been unexpectedly eventful. From pop star to priest, it’s all been a gift.”

— Interview on BBC Radio 4, 2023

“Writing the Canon Clement novels allows me to bring my two worlds together – the church and a good mystery.”

— richardcoles.com (author’s note)

What Comes Next for Rev Richard Coles?

Coles continues to be active in broadcasting and publishing. He remains the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. A new Canon Clement Mystery is expected, though the publication date is not yet confirmed. A television adaptation of the Canon Clement series is in development, but no air date or casting has been announced. He may also produce podcast specials or live events tied to book tours. For a similar story of a public figure with a remarkable career, read about Simon Reeve – Biography, Books, Net Worth and Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

For another profile of a major British entertainer, see Phil Collins – Health, Net Worth, Tour & Songs (2025).