Rev Richard Coles says weight loss jabs helped him resist ‘midnight kebabs’ and tackle pre-diabetes

Reverend Richard Coles has opened up about using weight loss injections and how they’ve helped him manage his appetite while on the road.

The 63-year-old is best known as one half of the 1980s pop duo The Communards, alongside Jimmy Somerville. Since stepping away from music, he has carved out a successful second act as a broadcaster, writer and Church of England priest, with regular appearances across TV and radio. His credits include Strictly Come Dancing, QI and Have I Got News for You.

More recently, he reached a new generation of fans after coming third on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! last December.

Speaking on Lorraine on Thursday, with Ranvir Singh filling in for Lorraine Kelly, he said the show had unexpectedly raised his profile among younger viewers.

“I’ve been invisible to young people for 40 years,” he said. “And all of a sudden, because I’m mates with GK Barry now, lots of young people come up and say hello, which is great — and they come to the show.”

Coles also revealed he has been taking Mounjaro, a type of weight loss injection, after his doctor raised concerns about his health during a medical ahead of his trip to the jungle.

“I was just getting older and fatter — which you do — and my doctor said, ‘You need to think about your weight, because you might be getting pre-diabetic,’” he explained.

“With all the touring — hotel breakfasts, midnight kebabs, which aren’t compulsory but very hard to resist — I needed something to help. The jabs just take the edge off your appetite in a gentle and manageable way.”

He added, laughing: “Also, my neighbours nagged me so much. I think they get 15 percent off if they sign someone up — I’m not sure!”

When asked if he’s experienced any side effects, Coles said: “Not ones I really want to go into — but all manageable. It was a bit of an adjustment, but it doesn’t interfere with my life. I just eat less, and that works for me.”