I’m A Celebrity star Reverend Richard Coles left everyone in a TV studio stunned as he revealed that his brother used to be a spy.
The radio personality, who finished third on the popular ITV show behind Coleen Rooney and winner Danny Jones, dropped this fascinating family secret while appearing on The Last Leg on Friday night (December 20).
Richard, who initially gained fame as part of The Communards band in the 80s, mentioned that he was only just discovering details about his brother’s life due to his secretive career.
As host Adam Hills discussed Prince Andrew severing ties with a businessman alleged to be a Chinese Spy, Richard interjected: “My brother was a spy.”
A perplexed Adam quickly questioned how he could disclose such information on Channel 4, to which Richard calmly responded: “He’s retired now. He was a spy cop in the 1980s that’s subject of an inquiry at the moment.”
Richard went on to share how his family first suspected something unusual when his brother would arrive for Christmas looking like his undercover persona.
He said: “He’d turn up for Christmas in the sort of appearance of his undercover role. Which was not bow ties in the casinos of Europe, he had shaggy hair and piercings so that was a surprise.”
A taken aback Adam asked: “who was he infiltrating then?” To which Richard replied evasively: “I don’t think I’m at liberty to say,” reports Birmingham Live.
“Oh my goodness,” was Adam’s reaction. Richard was subsequently probed by fellow guest Alex Jones about his brother’s career, with her asking what he had discussed with him.
Richard conceded, “He’s told me nothing about it,” but noted that he’s gaining insight from the public inquiry. He further disclosed: “He was put into various groups which were identified as being dangerous.”