Rev Richard Coles announces death of partner David
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”."
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”. pic.twitter.com/usvLDIBDv7
— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) December 17, 2019
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.
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."
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.