Reverend Richard Coles has revealed he was once reprimanded by the church over comments he made while appearing on Have I Got News For You.

Now known as one of the country’s most famous clergymen, Reverend Richard was previously a member of The Communards, and has appeared on reality shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Masterchef.

For his latest TV venture, he will be making his debut as a stand-up comic as part of the two-part Channel 4 series Stand Up And Deliver, in support of Stand Up To Cancer.

However, he’s vowed to keep his comedy routines family-friendly, revealing he once landed himself in hot water following an appearance on Have I Got News For You. 

Speaking to Radio Times, he revealed: “I could be done under the terms of the clergy discipline measure.

“I once let out a bad word on Have I Got News For You. When I opened my email the next day, the first thing I saw was ‘Lambeth Palace complaint’.”

“I’ve been a bit wary since,” he added.

Reverend Richard has appeared on Have I Got News For You five times in total, most recently in June 2017, although he did not specify which of his spots led to the telling off in question.

Explaining his motivation for signing up for Stand Up And Deliver, he told the magazine: “Well, as a vicar, of course I spend a lot of my time laughing in the face of death. It comes with the territory, and dark humour is good and cool.

“Also my sister-in-law died of cancer, and Covid, in the middle of all this… so being involved with Stand Up to Cancer is obviously a good thing.”

Referring to his late civil partner David Coles – who died in 2019 after a long illness – he added: “David’s dying was actually full of comedy, which made me and him laugh when he was in a fit state to appreciate what was going on.

“Medics, undertakers and clergy have a black sense of humour, but I’m not sure it’s something for public consumption.”

Read Reverend Richard Coles’ full interview in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, out now.