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Richard is probably best known as the regular host of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live programme, in 2017 he stepped out as a contestant in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing  attracting judges verdicts ranging from “a fantastic surprise”, to “full of heavenly delights” and “The falling petals had more grace.” Richard enjoyed the whole experience hugely despite admitting to some massive collywobbles as he prepared for his dramatic first entrance from high above the dance floor. Back down to earth now he appears regularly on  Newsnight  and TV panel shows such as QI and Have I Got News For You, where his quick and inventive verbal humour is always to the fore.

When the motivation is more spiritual, Richard has featured on BBC TV’s Songs of Praise specials and as the guest on Pause for thought.

Richard has a delightfully enquiring mind but with an eye finely tuned to absurdity. His voice will be familiar to Radio 4 listeners as he co-hosts Saturday Live, and is a contributor to Pause for Thought on the Radio 2 Chris Evans Breakfast Show, where his Strictly destiny was announced.

In this ever popular evening alongside his Strictly reminiscences he’ll tell a story that is as real as it is unlikely. He connects the euphoria and mayhem of being Top of The Pops in the 80s to his present circumstances as Church of England priest, radio broadcaster and television show panelist  answering amongst many burning questions,

“How do you go from pop star to priest? And why?”

Revd Richard Coles is on a fortnight’s leave from his country parish and has been excused from his co-presenting duties of Saturday Live (BBC Radio 4) to bring to Edinburgh this hilarious yet deeply moving one-parson show. Attempting to live a hybrid life as the 59th Vicar of Finedon, Richard discusses hatching, matching and dispatching among the gingerbread stone houses, neighbouring Weetabix factory and Primark Distribution Centre – alongside his alternative life as a broadcaster, writer, panel game show contestant, Strictly veteran and (thanks to being voted Most Whimsical Vicar on the wireless) borderline national trinket.