Rev Richard Coles announces death of partner David

The Reverend Richard Coles has announced the death of his partner, Rev David Coles. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland / Getty Images for St John Ambulance)
The Reverend Richard Coles has announced the death of his partner, Rev David Coles. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland / Getty Images for St John Ambulance)

Reverend Richard Coles has announced the death of his civil partner, the Reverend David Coles.

Taking to his Twitter, former Strictly contestant Coles told followers he had been ill for some time before thanking the teams who cared for his partner at Kettering General Hospital.

He wrote: "I’m very sorry to say that @RevDavidColes has died. He had been ill for a while.

"Thanks to the brilliant teams who looked after him at @KettGeneral. Funeral details to follow. “The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended”."

According to the musician's website, the pair lived together with their four dogs in their vicarage in Finedon, Northamptonshire.

Coles, 57, was the keyboard player in 80s band The Communards who achieved three Top Ten hits. Most notably a dance version of 'Don't Leave Me This Way' which was the best selling single of 1986.

Pianist Richard Coles (left) and singer Jimmy Somerville of British pop duo The Communards, London circa 1985. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Pianist Richard Coles (left) and singer Jimmy Somerville of British pop duo The Communards, London circa 1985. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

He was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, and has been a co-presenter on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live programme since 2011.

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Dianne Buswell, who was the professional dancer partnered with Coles on the BBC competition, shared her condolences as she tweeted: "I am so sorry to hear this. Sending all my love to you rev! My prayers and thoughts are with you."

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28:  (Back row L-R) Dancers Janette Manrara, Chloe Hewitt, Amy Dowden, Oti Mabuse, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova and Karen Clifton (Front row) dancer Katya Jones and contestant Reverend Richard Coles attend the 'Strictly Come Dancing 2017' red carpet launch at Broadcasting House on August 28, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
(Back row L-R) Dancers Janette Manrara, Chloe Hewitt, Amy Dowden, Oti Mabuse, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova and Karen Clifton (Front row) dancer Katya Jones and contestant Reverend Richard Coles attend the 'Strictly Come Dancing 2017'. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Meanwhile, presenter Simon Mayo shared: "What devastating news. So sorry to hear this Richard."

"Oh darling, I’m so sorry. Sending all my love xx," responded comedian Susan Calman.