Reverend Richard Coles has been supported after he shared an emotional update following his I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! stint. The star recently touched back down in the UK after making the final of the ITV reality show.
Richard was a latecomer to camp alongside former Love Island star Maura Higgins during the first week of the programme’s 2024 run. He was quickly a hit with viewers – and his campmates – and ended up finishing in third place behind runner-up Coleen Rooney and winner Danny Jones.
The former Communards band member arrived at on Wednesday morning (December 11), telling the PA news agency his jungle journey, which saw him finish third, was “fantastic”.
Speaking at the airport, he told PA: “It was great, (I’m) very happy to be back in the UK. (The show was) amazing, the whole thing was just fantastic and I had a great time.” Asked what he planned to do for Christmas, Richard replied: “Nothing, as little as possible, trying to persuade someone to make it for me.”
But following his return, Richard took to social media as he commemorated what would’ve been his late husband Reverend David Coles’ 48th birthday. In the post, Richard shared a photo of David wearing a face mask as he stood alongside their four adorable pooches.
I’m A Celebrity’s Rev Richard Coles (Image: PA)
Alongside the photo, Richard wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “David’s birthday today. He would have been forty eight. RIP.” In response to the emotional post, his followers flocked to the comments section to share messages of love and support.
@eliistender10 said: “Thinking of you and sending lots of love.” @PONGYCARTOONS commented: “Thoughts and prayers with you Richard embrace the time you had together.” @LAWellbeing wrote: “Sending lots of love and hugs. David would be very proud of you right now.” @CarolEGaskin added: “Thinking of you today – David would be so proud of you and all that you have accomplished recently.”
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Richard securing third place behind Coleen Rooney and winner Danny Jones (Image: ITV)
While taking part in , Richard opened up about his late partner to fellow contestants and at one point emotional told Oti Mabuse: “I miss him!”
He also spoke about how love blossomed for the pair. “I came to preach a sermon in his church and he sort of picked me up afterwards!” he said. He further explained: “He heard me preach and afterwards he said that he was thinking about getting ordained and could he come and talk to me about it. So he came round one Sunday for lunch and it was all very proper and professional.”
You can watch I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! on ITVX