When you think of the stars on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, many of them are famous enough to have made a decent amount of money. Yet, one person in this year’s lineup has a financial history that could surprise even the most seasoned reality TV fans. While viewers might expect most contestants to be comfortably well-off, it turns out that the Reverend Richard Coles, who’s joining the jungle as a late arrival, may be raking in far more than most realize.
The Secret Millionaire: Richard Coles’ Surprising Wealth
Most participants on I’m A Celeb are well-known, often having significant careers in the public eye. But Richard Coles, who is preparing to join the camp alongside Love Island star Maura Higgins, brings a financial background that is unexpected for a man of the cloth. In fact, Coles might be more of a millionaire than many realize. His company, Mistramark Ltd, paid a whopping £179,047 in corporation tax between 2022 and 2023. Given these figures, financial experts estimate that Coles’ business earned a profit of around £940,000 in that time.
Coleen Rooney is thought to be the highest paid celeb ever to appear on I’m A Celeb. (ITV)
The Early Years: From Pop Star to Financial Success
Richard Coles’ rise to fame started in the 1980s when he was one half of the successful pop duo The Communards. Along with Jimmy Somerville, Coles helped produce a string of hits, including the cover of “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” This track became the UK’s biggest-selling single of 1986, propelling Coles into the spotlight.
The success of The Communards was not just a flash in the pan. Their music was a key part of the ’80s music scene, and their chart-topping songs still resonate with fans today. The financial success from his music career gave Coles the platform to branch out into other ventures, including his later television and business roles.
From Pop Stardom to Television Regular
After stepping away from The Communards, Richard Coles didn’t fade into obscurity. Instead, he made a seamless transition into the world of television. Over the years, Coles has been a frequent face on British screens, appearing on well-known shows like Have I Got News For You, QI, Celebrity Masterchef, and even Strictly Come Dancing.
(Tim Roney/Getty Images)
His television appearances didn’t just earn him recognition; they also bolstered his bank account. From quiz shows to cooking competitions, Coles has built an impressive portfolio of television credits. This not only showcases his versatility but also speaks to his ability to remain relevant in the entertainment industry decades after his pop career.
The Reverend with a Business Empire
What might surprise some, however, is Coles’ foray into the business world. Mistramark Ltd, his company, plays a key role in his financial success. The hefty corporation tax payment that Mistramark Ltd made between 2022 and 2023 suggests that Coles’ business operations are thriving. Despite his humble title as a Reverend, Coles is far from your average clergyman. His diverse sources of income have enabled him to build a solid financial base, positioning him as a far wealthier individual than many might expect.
The success of his business ventures, combined with his ongoing work in television and his pop legacy, means that Richard Coles’ financial portfolio is diverse. He’s no longer just a TV personality or former pop star—he’s an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a millionaire.
I’m A Celeb: The Ultimate Payday?
While the decision to join I’m A Celeb might seem curious for someone who is already financially secure, it likely offers Coles an opportunity to increase his fame, expand his audience, and further cement his place in the entertainment world. It’s well-known that contestants on the show earn a significant payday, with the longer they last, the more lucrative the appearance becomes. But for Coles, the I’m A Celeb experience is about more than just money—it’s another chance to showcase his diverse talents
Via: (ITV)
A TV Star with Staying Power
Richard Coles has built a career that spans across multiple decades, establishing himself as one of the most enduring TV personalities in the UK. Whether he’s discussing current affairs on Have I Got News For You, showing off his culinary skills on Celebrity Masterchef, or busting a move on Strictly Come Dancing, Coles has shown that he’s not just a one-hit wonder. His ability to stay relevant and continuously find new avenues to explore in the world of television is part of what has made him so financially successful.
Via: (ITV)
While other celebrities may have fading careers or limited opportunities outside of reality shows, Coles’ continued success in television has kept him in the public eye. His wealth isn’t just a product of his music career, but of his strategic positioning as a TV personality.
The Unlikely Star: How Coles Became a Fan Favorite
There’s something particularly endearing about Richard Coles. Perhaps it’s his quirky sense of humor, his effortless charm, or his reputation as a man of depth and substance. What sets Coles apart from other I’m A Celeb contestants is his refusal to be pigeonholed into a particular category. He’s not just a priest, or a pop star, or a TV presenter—he’s all of these things and more.
Via: (ITV)
This well-rounded persona makes Coles a fascinating addition to the I’m A Celeb lineup. He doesn’t just bring star power to the jungle; he brings an intriguing mix of backgrounds and experiences that viewers will surely find compelling. Fans will no doubt tune in to see how he fares in the trials, but they’ll also be curious to see how he handles the more lighthearted moments of the show.
What’s Next for Richard Coles?
As Richard Coles prepares to enter the jungle, many are wondering what his next move will be. With a successful business, a thriving television career, and a substantial fortune, Coles seems to have it all. But as his appearance on I’m A Celeb proves, he’s not one to rest on his laurels.
Via: (ITV)
Given his track record of reinvention, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Coles in even more television shows or ventures in the future. If anything, I’m A Celeb is likely just another chapter in his already fascinating life story. Fans can only speculate what his next big move might be after his time in the jungle ends.
The Legacy of Richard Coles
At this point, Richard Coles has more than established his legacy. He’s not just a former pop star or a man of the cloth—he’s a multifaceted personality who has continually reinvented himself and remained relevant for decades. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and success, and it’s a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to financial prosperity or fame.
Via: (ITV)
As he heads into the jungle, one thing is for sure: Richard Coles is far more than meets the eye. Whether he’s tackling trials or making viewers laugh on television, Coles continues to prove that he’s an entertainer and businessman whose journey is far from over.
The Financial Impact of I’m A Celeb on Coles
For many stars, appearing on I’m A Celeb is an opportunity to boost their public image and earn a nice paycheck. For Richard Coles, it’s likely just one more step in his ongoing career, one that continues to be fueled by his many talents and diverse sources of income. While I’m A Celeb may be another chance to add to his financial portfolio, Coles has already built a reputation as a savvy businessman and seasoned TV personality.
Via: (ITV)
In the end, whether he’s surviving the trials in the jungle or making headlines with his business ventures, Richard Coles proves that there’s more than one way to succeed in life—and that success can come in many different forms.
Via: (ITV)
As the jungle prepares for its newest arrivals, two celebrities are set to bring a unique energy to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! this year. While most stars entering the Australian wilderness have been preparing for the infamous trials, Richard Coles and Maura Higgins seem less than prepared for what lies ahead. Their honesty about the challenges they may face in the camp is sure to give viewers an even more entertaining perspective as they settle into their new environment.
Maura Higgins: Fearing the ‘Spider Situation’
In a candid interview, Maura Higgins shared her apprehension about one of I’m A Celeb’s most feared challenges: the creepy crawlies. The Love Island star, who is known for her bold and confident persona, admitted she has a major fear of spiders. Speaking to the Mirror, Higgins revealed she was “worried about being known as the biggest wimp in the camp” but confessed that the thought of spiders being poured on her made her feel as if she might “just die.”
Via: (ITV)
It’s no secret that the Australian jungle is home to some of the most terrifying creatures, but Higgins’ honesty about her fear of these creepy crawlies shows that even the toughest celebrities can have their breaking points.
Richard Coles Makes History:
The arrival of Richard Coles is noteworthy for more than just his unorthodox preparation. He is breaking new ground as the first ever man of the cloth to appear on I’m A Celeb. As a priest, Coles has a unique perspective on life, which could provide an interesting dynamic in the camp. His entry into the jungle is a first, and it’s likely that viewers will be curious about how he balances his religious identity with the often chaotic and demanding nature of the show.
Via: (ITV)
Despite his unique position, Coles admitted to trying to avoid nature programmes about Australia’s notorious wildlife. He expressed his reluctance to think too much about the “horrors” that could be waiting for him in the jungle, which could mean he’s in for a few surprises. For Coles, the experience will not only be about surviving in the jungle but also about navigating the tension between his calm, spiritual nature and the high-intensity trials ahead.
Adjusting to the I’m A Celeb Lifestyle: Will They Adapt?
Both Coles and Higgins seem to be taking quite different approaches to preparing for the grueling conditions of I’m A Celeb. While Higgins is worried about her reaction to the spiders and creepy crawlies, Coles is opting for a more relaxed attitude, seemingly unconcerned with the lower food intake that typically comes with life in the jungle.
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The key question is whether these two will be able to adapt to the tough, often unglamorous lifestyle that I’m A Celeb demands. Many contestants experience a significant culture shock once they enter the camp, with the lack of comfort and constant challenge taking its toll on even the most well-prepared stars. Both Coles and Higgins have been in the spotlight long enough to know how to handle pressure, but I’m A Celeb might just push them to their limits in ways they weren’t expecting.
What’s Next for Coles and Higgins?
As the clock ticks down to their official entry into the jungle, both Coles and Higgins will need to quickly adjust to their new surroundings. The jungle trials are known for testing both physical and mental strength, and no one is ever truly ready for the intensity of the challenges that await them.
Via: (ITV)
For Coles, the lack of food might be a major issue, given his indulgent cruise lifestyle. But his calm demeanor and background in handling stressful situations may help him cope with the pressures of the jungle. Higgins, on the other hand, may have to dig deep to overcome her fear of spiders and other jungle creatures. However, her strong personality and drive to avoid being labeled a “wimp” could be the perfect motivation to prove her critics wrong.
Both stars are undoubtedly facing a steep learning curve as they prepare to face the unknown. But with their differing fears and preparation styles, their time in the jungle promises to be entertaining and full of surprises.
How to Watch I’m A Celebrity Ad-Free
For fans eager to watch all the drama unfold without interruptions, there’s an option to enjoy I’m A Celebrity ad-free. ITVX Premium offers a free trial, followed by a subscription service priced at £5.99 per month or £59.99 annually. With this service, viewers can watch all the jungle antics, including Coles and Higgins’ trials, without the interruption of adverts. For those who don’t want to miss a single moment of the action, signing up for ITVX Premium is the perfect way to stay on top of all the latest developments.
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