Reverend Richard Coles has been announced as the fifth celebrity to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The news was revealed this morning on Chris Evans’ breakfast show on Radio 2. Jokingly, he told Evans: “It was an easy decision to make, it’s obvious to anyone who knows me that a major dance talent was waiting to be discovered, I just wonder why it took them so long, frankly…” He also confirmed that he had a “comprehensive briefing” from last year’s unlikely fan favourite, Ed Balls.
Cometh the hour, cometh the overweight Vicar with arthritis in his knees. – Reverend Richard Coles
Holy glitterballs! The @RevRichardColes is joining #Strictly! ? https://t.co/PtUIQWrRxQ pic.twitter.com/pxwoK8zTpl
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) August 11, 2017
After the announcement was made, many of Richard’s delighted fans took to Twitter to share their excitement.
L O V I N G the #Strictly line up since @RevRichardColes got in there. Holy moly ??????????????????
— Vee? (@veefeeley) August 11, 2017
Just saying it now….@RevRichardColes is definitely going to win @bbcstrictly! He will be amazing & my definite winner! ?
— Barnsey (@officialbarnsey) August 11, 2017
@RevRichardColes on @bbcstrictly! My life is now complete. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly2017
— karen ball (@karenball) August 11, 2017
The Church of England priest is a writer and broadcaster, with BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live among his many hosting jobs. He is a regular contributor to ‘Pause for Thought’ on the Radio 2 Chris Evans Breakfast Show, BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and QI.
Additionally, he is the only Vicar in Britain to top the charts. He went to number one in 1986 with ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ as part of The Communards.
Richard joins the four previously confirmed contestants: Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford, Davood Ghadami and Mollie King. More announcements are expected within the coming days.
Are you looking forward to seeing Reverend Richard Coles do the Rumba? Who else would you like to see on the SCD line up? Get in touch via Twitter @CelebMix