Ibiza played a key role in the wild and unpredictable life of Reverend Richard Coles, a former pop star turned priest. As the final of the British TV show ‘I’m a Celebrity’ (similar to ‘Survivor’) approaches, more details are being revealed about the life of one of its most intriguing participants.
From pop stardom to priesthood, his story is one of wild experiences, personal struggle, and profound transformation.
From synth-pop star to spiritual seeker
Richard’s journey to the clergy was far from conventional. Before becoming a man of the cloth, he was one half of the iconic synth-pop duo The Communards, achieving stardom in the 1980s. Alongside Jimmy Somerville, Richard found fame with their hit single Don’t Leave Me This Way, which topped the UK charts and became the best-selling single of 1986.
Born in Northamptonshire, Richard’s musical talent was clear from an early age. While singing in a public school choir, he also discovered another aspect of his identity — his sexuality. However, he kept it a secret until his late teens. At 16, he came out to his parents, but his journey was not an easy one. He struggled with depression and even attempted suicide during this turbulent period of his life.
It was during these challenging years that he met Jimmy Somerville, then a member of the pop band Bronski Beat. When Jimmy left Bronski Beat, he teamed up with Richard to form The Communards. Their music achieved critical and commercial success, becoming a defining sound of the era. But with fame came excess.
A life of fame, fortune, and excess
With chart-topping hits, fame, and wealth, Richard and Jimmy embraced the hedonistic lifestyle that often comes with the music industry. Parties, drugs, and wild nights became a regular part of their lives. But not all was harmonious within the band. Their friendship was tested by frequent arguments, eventually leading to The Communards‘ split in 1988.
After the band dissolved, Richard continued his fast-paced lifestyle. Ibiza, with its vibrant nightlife, became one of his favourite haunts. His stories from this period are as wild as they are surprising.
The speedboat incident in Ibiza
One of Richard’s most legendary anecdotes is the story of the speedboat in Ibiza. During a particularly wild night on the island of Ibiza, fuelled by alcohol and impulsivity, he decided to buy a speedboat. But unlike most people who would at least remember where their expensive purchase was, Richard has admitted that he has no idea where it is today.
He has shared this Ibiza story with his campmates on ‘I’m a Celebrity’, and it has since become one of the show’s most talked-about moments. The image of a future priest impulsively buying a speedboat during a night in Ibiza and then losing track of it perfectly encapsulates the extremes of his former life.
A turning point: confronting addiction
After years of excess, Richard reached a breaking point. Leave Ibiza and back in the UK, he realised he had to face his drug problem. He recalls a pivotal moment on the London Underground that changed the course of his life.
“One morning I was on the Tube after being out for three days”, he recounted.
Dishevelled, exhausted, and unwashed, he drew glances from other passengers.
“I was covered in dirt, I smelled bad, and I didn’t look normal. People were looking at me with a mix of pity and horror. Then I saw my reflection in the window opposite and thought, ‘It’s time to sort myself out”.
This moment of self-awareness marked the beginning of a dramatic change in his life. Despite his initial scepticism, a psychiatrist suggested that he speak with a priest. That single conversation lit a spark of curiosity within him, leading him to explore the world of spirituality more deeply. “I suppose I’ve always had a very genuine curiosity about religion”, Richard later admitted.
A new chapter: from faith to priesthood
His exploration of faith grew stronger over time. He began writing for The Catholic Herald and later pursued a degree in Theology at King’s College London in 1990. It was during a mass at St. Alban’s Church that he experienced what he described as a “profound spiritual awakening”. This pivotal moment confirmed his decision to devote his life to faith and forget Ibiza and his old lifestyle.
For ten years, he followed the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. However, in 2001, he felt a pull back to the Anglican Church, where he believed his true calling lay.
Four years later, Richard was ordained as an Anglican priest. His dedication to his role was evident, and in 2011, he was appointed vicar of St Mary the Virgin Church in Finedon, Northamptonshire. Over the next decade, he became a well-loved figure within the community, known for his warmth, compassion, and unique backstory.
Retirement and a return to the spotlight
In 2022, after 11 years as vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Richard retired from his position. But his story did not end there. He has since become a public figure once more, taking part in shows like ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity’. His blend of charm, honesty, and humour has made him a favourite with audiences.
For many, Richard Coles represents an extraordinary story of transformation. From the top of the music charts to the pulpit of a rural church, his life is one of unexpected twists and turns. His wild youth, marked by hits, excess, and impulsive boat purchases in Ibiza, now serves as a testament to the power of reflection, faith, and personal growth.
