Words: Steve Brown

Reverend Richard Coles has revealed his partner David Coles has died after a long illness.

The Church of England reverend – and keyboard player in The Communards – met his partner back in 2007 and lived together with their dogs in Northamptonshire.

But sadly, Richard took to Twitter to announce the passing of his partner and wrote: "I'm very sorry to say that @RevDavidColes has died. He had been ill for a while. Thanks to the brilliant teams who looked after him at @KettGeneral.

"Funeral details to follow. “The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."

I’m very sorry to say that @RevDavidColes has died. He had been ill for a while. Thanks to the brilliant teams who looked after him at @KettGeneral. Funeral details to follow. “The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended”. pic.twitter.com/usvLDIBDv7 — Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) December 17, 2019

Richard previously opened up about his relationship with David and told Christian Today: "Of course it has its challenges and sacrifices ... We live in good standing with the teaching of the Church, but I wouldn't wish that to imply that I saw that as a good and noble thing, because I don't, but it is currently where we are."