Strictly Rev does the flocks-trot
Richard and TV partner perform routine for worshippers at village church Sunday sermon
STRICTLY’S Rev Richard Coles gave parishioners a sneak preview of his moves yesterday as he danced with his partner during the service.
Anglican priest Richard, 55, performed a cha cha with Dianne Buswell to the Eurythmics hit There Must be an Angel.
Worshippers in the country village church cheered before scoring the couple with specially made paddleboards.
The organist at the church in Finedon, Northamptonshire, started with a tongue-in-cheek rendition of Lord of the Dance.
In the pulpit, Richard, who was in 80s chart-toppers The Communards with Scot Jimmy Sommerville, revealed that during training in Glasgow for Strictly, he needed “emergency physio” for a back injury.
Watched by Dianne, 28, in the front row, he said: “I would like you to welcome my unfortunate partner, who has put me through my paces this last week.
“She has had to put up with my breathtaking moves.
“No pain, no gain – that is what I used to tell myself when visiting the gym, before my days as a vicar.
“But now those words ring true again, especially after having to be pummelled by a emergency physio when I put my back out in training. I was strapped up and given ibuprofen.”
Richard changed out of his white robes into what he called a “less flamboyant” black cassock to dance for the 300 parishioners.
The dance will be shown on Strictly.
As he posed for pictures at the end of the service, Richard said Dianne had put him on a health programme, adding: “She won’t even let me look at pork pie – she has me eating sushi.”
Strictly’s first live show is on BBC1 on Saturday.