Reverend Richard Coles has been trolled by "Christians" claiming his late civil partner is "in hell" and that he "will follow".
The former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant was left devastated this week after revealing his partner Reverend David Coles had died aged 42 after a long illness, and while he has largely received positive messages following the passing, he says some people have attacked him online.
He wrote on Twitter: "99.99999% loveliness from people and then a small but lively correspondence from Christians who wish me to know that D is in hell and I will follow. It’s like the Khmer Rouge suddenly popping up in a stream of condolence. (sic)"
Richard also said grief has made him "stupid" after he bought "an extravagant number of death certificates", and stayed up until the early hours watching a programme about the Queen’s poached eggs.
He wrote: "Grief makes you stupid: I went to the shop and came out with three kinds of parmesan, I bought an extravagant number of death certificates, I stayed up till 1.30 watching a documentary about the Queen’s poached eggs. (sic)"
And yesterday (18.12.19), Richard called out a "scam" after someone set up a GoFundMe page in David’s mother’s name, pretending to raise money for his funeral.
Richard tweeted: "CAM ALERT someone has set up a gofund page for @RevDavidColes’ funeral in his mother’s name. It is a scam, please ignore."
Richard, 57, took to Twitter on Tuesday morning (17.12.19) to share the devastating news that David had passed away.
He wrote: "I’m very sorry to say that @RevDavidColes has died. He had been ill for a while. Thanks to the brilliant teams who looked after him at @KettGeneral. Funeral details to follow.
"The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."
The former Communards star – who was a member of the pop duo alongside Jimmy Somerville between 1985 and 1988 – was showered with messages of condolences from friends and followers, as well as his ‘Strictly’ 2017 dance partner Dianne Buswell and fellow contestant Susan Calman.
Dianne: "I am so sorry to hear this . Sending all my love to you rev ! my prayers and thoughts are with you x (sic)"
Susan added: "Oh darling, I’m so sorry. Sending all my love xx (sic)"
Richard and David – who lived together at the vicarage at St Mary’s in Finedon in Northamptonshire – had a civil ceremony in 2005, and had a celibate relationship.
Rev Richard Coles trolled by ‘Christians claiming his late partner is in hell’
