I’m A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what ‘scissoring’ is – as the pair spark up unlikely friendship

I'm A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what 'scissoring' is - as the pair spark up unlikely friendship

As a spectator of this heartwarming tale unfolding on the I’m A Celebrity stage, I find myself deeply moved by the courage and authenticity displayed by GK Barry, or Grace Keeling as she is known off-screen. Her journey from religious upbringing to embracing her true identity as a lesbian woman is nothing short of inspiring.


During Monday’s episode, Reverend Richard Coles, a contestant on I’m A Celebrity, had GK Barry chuckling when they delved into the topics of sexuality and religion in their conversation.

25-year-old TikTok sensation Grace Keeling, also known as her stage name, has formed an unexpected bond in the jungle with the 62-year-old Reverend Richard Coles.

Katherine shared with Richard that she had a religious background, recalling her days at a spiritual summer camp during her youth, where elders advised her against pre-marital sexual activity.

In a different phrase, Grace, who is in a relationship with Ella Rutherford, mentioned that as young as 13 years old, she had already thought to herself: “That won’t occur. My future, I envision it filled with the act of scissoring now.

Richard enquired about the meaning of “scissoring” from Grace, who opted to provide a brief explanation rather than delving into specifics, mentioning that it’s an activity associated with lesbian relationships.

Later, he began telling funny stories involving ‘the hot sisterhood of snipping sisters,’ which left them both in fits of laughter.

I'm A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what 'scissoring' is - as the pair spark up unlikely friendship

I'm A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what 'scissoring' is - as the pair spark up unlikely friendship

GK admitted in the Bush Telegraph: ‘I came into this jungle, maybe not knowing who I would gel with or who I would be close with in here and never in a million years if you told me that I would be getting on best with a reverend would I have believed you.

‘But, he is honestly… I think he might be my favourite person in here.’ 

In the course of our chat, I found myself baring my soul and sharing what it’s like for me, as a devoted follower of the church, navigating life as a gay man.

In 2005, the individual who serves as a writer, speaker, and priest received ordination. It was during this time that he crossed paths with his future spouse, fellow clergyman David Oldham. In 2010, they formalized their relationship by entering into a civil partnership. Unfortunately, David passed away in 2019 after a long struggle with alcoholism.

Richard got candid about his sexuality with newfound friend GK Barry during Monday night’s episode.

GK inquired from Richard if he found it challenging to be gay while doing his job, to which Richard responded: ‘Not at all. I’ve never had any concerns about whether it was acceptable to God.’

‘Whether other people thought it was alright or not, well I’m happy to have that argument…’

I'm A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what 'scissoring' is - as the pair spark up unlikely friendship
I'm A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what 'scissoring' is - as the pair spark up unlikely friendship

He added: ‘Also, I was not the first. Sometimes I look at documents from the early church, or the church of the middle ages and I just think – so gay.’

The conversation inspired GK to speak about why she turned away from religion as a child.

As a passionate devotee speaking here, I shared with Richard my past experiences, mentioning that in my youth, I attended a faith-based camp under the guidance of certain individuals who advised me against engaging in premarital sexual relations.

In our conversation, GK posed a question about the most intriguing individual I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. To which I responded, “As it turns out, she’s right here.

Previously, GK revealed details about her relationship with Ella, and subtly introduced a memento from her in the I’m a Celebrity jungle camp.

A subtle tribute to the 24-year-old Ipswich football hero adorned GK Barry’s nails; a small, white “E” nestled where a wedding band typically sits.

Prior to venturing into the forest, GK had a set of nails with French tips styled by the manicurist, requesting her to add an ‘E’ for ‘Ella’ as a design.

I'm A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what 'scissoring' is - as the pair spark up unlikely friendship
I'm A Celeb star Reverend Richard Coles leaves GK Barry in stitches as he asks her what 'scissoring' is - as the pair spark up unlikely friendship

On the Tuesday night episode, GK shared insights about their connection with their fellow I’m A Celebrity campmates regarding their relationship.

As a transparent social media personality, I’ve shared posts that may have given the impression of romantic involvement with women, but in reality, my dating history has always consisted of male partners.

I stumbled upon Ella, introduced through a common acquaintance. The very first time we met, I took an instant liking to her, but I hadn’t shared this with my parents yet.

In simpler terms, by saying either “I told them I was visiting my friend Ella” or “I let them know that I’d be at Ella’s place,” it can be inferred that they were made aware of the person named Ella.

Following their visit to London from Cambridge, where they observed Ella and Grace together, they inquired about Ella’s identity. At this point, Grace admitted, “Oh, she’s actually my partner.” To their delight, they’ve always been supportive and never had any problems with it.

She mentioned: “It seems to me that perhaps the cupboard could be transparent. Nevertheless, they’ve consistently stated that it doesn’t matter who you wind up with, whether male or female; what matters is that they’re not unkind.

Previously, the member of the Loose Women panel was involved in a prolonged romance with popular TikToker, Billy Hunt. He appeared on her podcast titled “Saving Grace” and frequently showed up on her social media accounts.

Through the mediation of Gogglebox’s Joe Baggs, the duo became acquainted. Reflecting on their encounter, Grace shared: ‘So, according to my account, Joe Baggs hosted a party. Billy, being the lone straight man there, found me making a beeline for him. It’s been our story ever since.’

Last year, the duo parted ways, and later on, Grace opened up on Young Filly’s platform about identifying as a lesbian. She expressed: ‘I felt I made many mistakes when it came to relationships with men.’

‘I don’t like men anymore. I will never go back to a man. God forbid.

Absolutely! I’m really enjoying myself right now. I’m brimming with joy and vitality. You could say I have a certain radiance about me – some might even call it the ‘lesbian glow’. That’s where I’m at, in case you were wondering.

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2024-11-26 11:35

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