Back in the 1980s, way before his time as a reverend and certainly in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Richard Coles was part of an iconic pop duo.

The 62-year-old was one half of The Communards alongside bandmate Jimmy Somerville, which was formed after the break up of their previous group, Bronski Beat.

In fact, as well as playing the keyboard, Richard was the co-writer of some of the band’s biggest hits.

The Communards are best known for their chart-topping hit Don’t Leave Me This Way, which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart after being released in 1986.

Richard and Jimmy also had popular hits with their version of the disco classic Never Can Say Goodbye, which reached number four in the UK.

The Communards’ debut album in 1986, titled Communards, featured the above songs, followed by their second album, Red in 1987.

Sadly, the band broke up in 1988 and shortly after, Richard began the next stage of his career as a priest after being ordained in 2005.

Richard is also known for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, not to mention being a broadcaster on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live.

Are Jimmy Somerville and I’m a Celeb’s Richard Coles still friends?

Speaking about The Communards’ break up, Richard told Classic Pop Magazine in 2022: "I don't think we understood each other. Our lives were so different, we didn't really have the tools for finding our way through disagreements.

"It was obvious we had nothing left to give each other. We never actually split up, though. We just decided to stop for a while. It's a pause that's lasted 33 years."

But are the duo still friends? Of course they are.

In an interview with Retro Pop Magazine that same year, Richard opened up about his friendship with Jimmy.

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He shared: "It's always good to see him and I will always be very grateful for him and love him very much."

Richard also explained to Classic Pop Magazine: “Communards was something we went through together uniquely as equal partners.

“I’d love to see more of Jimmy, because reflecting on what happened is a conversation I hope we have one day.”