News by email Donate

Suggestions

Rev-Richard-Coles-Strictly-main_article_image.jpg
Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire
UK News

Strictly vicar renews same-sex dance partners plea

Rev Richard Coles said the change would be timely if it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act (1967), legislation which partly decriminalised homosexuality.

The Northamptonshire church leader was quoted by the Express newspaper as saying: "I thought this might be the year to have a nod in that direction."

Matt Crossick/PA

"I think everything is moving that way and if it happened it wouldn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, I would welcome it.

"But then what do I know, I am not a dancer. One thing I have discovered from my time on Strictly is how a man and a woman dance together."

Earlier this month, Rev Coles told Digital Spy he had spoken with bosses on the show about allowing contestants to dance with a partner of the same sex.

Matt Crossick and PA

Rev Coles, who lives with civil partner Rev David Coles, joined the 15th series of Strictly Come Dancing with dance partner Dianne Buswell.

Formerly one half of the 1980s pop band The Communards, Rev Coles is currently a vicar of St Mary the Virgin Church in Finedon near Kettering.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate