Rev Richard Coles, the popular TV star known for his appearances on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Strictly Come Dancing, has been enjoying a local delicacy during his visit to Northumberland. The 64-year-old former pop star, who shot to fame in the 1980s with The Communards, was in the region to attend the Alnmouth Arts Festival as the headline guest for 2026.
Craster Kippers for Breakfast
During his stay, Coles indulged in a plate of Craster kippers, a traditional Northumbrian smoked herring delicacy. He shared a photo of the kippers on social media, accompanied by other snapshots from his trip. In his post, he wrote: 'I've had lovely time at the Alnmouth Arts Festival. I was looked after tremendously, had Craster kippers for breakfast, did a gig, went to say hello to the brethren at the Friary where a lady was doing yoga in the garden, made friends with Martin Shingler, who wrote a marvellous book about Bette Davis, met two splendid sausages, talked to some children in marquee about Einstein’s brain, overheard someone say ‘I hate f****** puffins’, and played with a steel band in the churchyard of St Andrews.'
The kippers, which come from the village of Craster in Northumberland, have been highly recommended by other celebrities, including music legend Sting, who enjoyed them at a local pub during a holiday with his wife Trudy Styler last year.
From Jungle to Northumberland
Rev Richard Coles first rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the pop group The Communards, whose hit Don't Leave Me This Way became an anthem of the decade. In recent years, he has become a familiar face on television, appearing as a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef and Strictly Come Dancing before heading into the Australian jungle for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in late 2024. He joined the show as a late arrival alongside Love Island star Maura Higgins and made it all the way to the final, where McFly singer Danny Jones was crowned King of the Jungle.
Coles is no stranger to Northumberland, having visited the region last year. During his current trip, he also attended an In Conversation event at St John the Baptist Church on Saturday, entertaining the audience and taking the opportunity to explore the area.
Social Media Reaction
Reacting to the picture of his kippers, one of Coles's followers commented: 'I can smell this photograph!' while another replied: 'Craster kippers are the best.' The post has generated significant engagement, highlighting the enduring appeal of the local delicacy.
The Alnmouth Arts Festival is an annual event that attracts visitors from across the region. Rev Richard Coles's appearance as the headline guest for 2026 underscores the festival's growing reputation.
