Book Britain’s Favourite Vicar: The Remarkable Richard Coles

23 Oct Book Britain’s Favourite Vicar: The Remarkable Richard Coles

When you are looking for an after dinner speaker who is truly unforgettable, The Reverend Richard Coles is one of the first names that The Right Address recommends. Few people can offer such a delightful mix of extraordinary life experience. He has been a famous pop star, an Anglican priest, a best-selling author, and a much-loved broadcaster. His unique journey from a chart-topping member of The Communards to “Britain’s most famous vicar” gives him a wealth of humorous and inspiring anecdotes. Richard is an extremely articulate and very funny speaker. He is consistently praised for being engaging and capable of relating well to any audience, whether at an awards dinner or a corporate event. He currently has not one, but two major television projects launching at the same time.

From Pop Star to Pithy Speaker: Richard Coles’ Unique Appeal

Richard Coles is, without doubt, in a category of his own. He is probably the only vicar to have had a number-one hit record, which was the massive 1986 single Don’t Leave Me This Way. His time in The Communards was a whirlwind, marked by instant fame that he was not completely at ease with. This tension and his later struggle is what makes his conversion story so compelling. After his pop career, Richard found faith, taking a theology degree at King’s College London, and was eventually ordained into the Anglican priesthood. He served as a parish priest in the quintessentially English village of Finedon, in Northamptonshire, until his retirement in 2022. It is worth noting, too, that his connection to community and housing is strong; he even sat on the board of Wellingborough Homes for several years.

This background makes his speaking topics incredibly varied. He speaks on trust, ethics, diversity & inclusion, and mental health. Richard knows about success and failure in both the music industry and the Church. He uses this knowledge to give powerful keynote and after dinner speeches. The testimonials speak for themselves. Clients have described him as “an event manager’s dream,” “witty and humane,” and “fabulous” for the effort he makes to network and speak personally with guests. This combination of celebrity and genuine human connection is exactly why he is such a popular choice for after dinner speaking.

Two New Shows

Richard has two current TV projects.

Charting a New Course on the Sea

First up is his thoughtful four-part series, Sailing The Shipping Forecast, which has just started on More4. The show began on Monday 20th October, at 9 pm. This programme is a celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the famous Shipping Forecast that many people listen to on the radio.

Richard sets sail on a compelling voyage to explore four of the thirty-one sea areas mentioned in the forecast, such as Faeroes, Lundy, Wight, and the Thames estuary. The series is about more than just sailing; it is an investigation into the lives of the resilient coastal communities who rely on the sea and the forecast for their very existence. Richard’s warmth and curiosity come to light as he meets fishermen, lifeboat crews, and others. The series offers a thoughtful look at Britain’s relationship with the sea.

A Best-Selling Murder Mystery on Screen

Alongside his factual seafaring adventure, an adaptation of his best-selling novel, Murder Before Evensong, has also launched. This six-part crime drama is the first in his successful Canon Clement Mysteries series.

The series started airing on Channel 5 on Tuesday, 7th October, at 9 pm. Set in the nostalgic 1980s, the story features Matthew Lewis as Canon Daniel Clement, a village rector in Champton. Canon Clement’s life turns dark when a body is discovered on the church grounds shortly after he suggests modernising the church. As more bodies appear, the Canon is drawn into solving the crime. He must use his knowledge of his parishioners to help the police. The show is packed with classic British actors, including Amanda Redman as his outspoken mother, Audrey. This series perfectly shows Richard’s talent for creating engaging fictional worlds, adding another layer to his public persona.

An Enduring Talent

Whether he is discussing the Canon Clement Mysteries (with a new book, A Death on Location, due out in 2025), sharing stories from his days on Strictly Come Dancing or I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, or giving a keynote on important social topics, Richard Coles is a speaker who truly delivers. He is also a regular on popular panel shows such as Have I Got News For You and QI, and is an established co-host of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. His ability to move between profound spiritual matters and entertaining pop culture moments makes him an incredible host for any event. His continued popularity and visibility mean he is in very high demand.

If you are looking for an after dinner speaker who is intelligent, highly entertaining, and known across the nation, Richard Coles is the perfect choice. To secure Reverend Richard Coles for your next awards ceremony, conference, or private event, or to discuss other world-class speakers, please call The Right Address UK speaker bureau on +44(0)1895 827 800.. Our team is ready to help you make your next event a huge success.