Tony Cowell chats to Dr Ranj Singh
Ranj Singh is the resident doctor on ITV’s This
Morning, alongside Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. The vibrant 40-yearold former Strictly star tells best all about his new weekly ITV show,
DrRanj:OnCall, as he goes back to his roots as a medical professional to help improve the nation’s health. Ranj, who was previously married to a woman before revealing his sexuality to friends and family in his late 20s, opens up about hosting
ThisMorning, and his thoughts on Phillip Schofield...
Tell us about your new series, Dr Ranj: On Call..
It’s a dream come true for me to have my own show, where I get to take my day job out to the nation! I will be just giving out some helpful, factual advice – because there’s a lot of confusion about health out there, and online. So, I think it’s helpful to be down-to-earth and be able to offer sensible help to people. I still work in the NHS, and I will be highlighting some of the brilliant work they do.
So many people now use the internet to selfdiagnose. Is this worrying?
The reason that has happened is partly because there is so much medical information available to us – and it’s so quick to use. But the danger is, if that information out there is incorrect, and therefore dangerous. This online activity has increased because it’s got harder to make appointments to see a doctor. That is worrying - and it’s something that health professionals like me need to address. I aim to do that within this show.
You specialise in paediatric medicine – will you be highlighting children’s health?
Yes, of course. We have different segments on the show and in one of them, I visit a child’s intensive care unit to show just how important that work is. So, I will be also offering some helpful advice for children and families – including first aid.
Did your parents encourage you to become a doctor?
I’ve got two brothers and my parents grew up in India and came to the UK to work in manual professions. So, my parents were very concerned that we got the benefit of a proper education. So, in a way they nudged me, in a positive way, into studying medicine.
You continue to appear on This Morning and have guest-hosted alongside Vanessa Feltz. Is this the dream job?
Absolutely! I grew up watching This Morning, so it was always very much part of my life. I first started work on the show six years ago, and it was such a huge honour.
I remember my very first item was to talk to Eamonn and Ruth about kids, and measles. I had just come off a night shift and I was exhausted, but so excited. I also loved guesthosting the show with Vanessa – I never, ever thought I would get that opportunity.
And what’s working with Holly and Phil like?
Fantastic. We call ourselves a family, and we behave like a family in so many ways. We are like friends and we call each other up all the time. We help each other – I think that stems from the total respect we have for each other. Holly and Phil are amazing together – and of course so are Eamonn and Ruth.
You’ve been very supportive of Phillip’s decision to come out as gay. How’s he doing?
Well, firstly, I think Phillip has been incredibly brave and courageous – it’s never easy for anyone to come out like that – regardless of their situation, or circumstances. I really respect him for what he’s done. I have been in a similar situation myself, and I know exactly what it involves and how it feels at the time. It’s not easy. It’s really, really hard, and I remember being in a very dark place at the time. So, you must have huge respect for Phillip.
In 2018, you competed on Strictly Come Dancing – was that scary for you?
It was exciting. Strictly was always a pipe-dream for me. I’ve been such a huge fan of the show, since the very beginning. So, when they offered it to me, I literally screamed with joy. But then I quickly became terrified because I’m not a trained dancer in any respect, so it was a massive learning curve. But it was such a special show to be part of. I made so many friends – we’re still in contact today.
Would you do more reality TV, if it were offered?
I wouldn’t say no! It depends on the project. I like shows where you can learn a new skill. My mum was a seamstress, so I have always wanted to do some sort of sewing task. I love The Great British Sewing Bee for that reason, because it reminds me of growing up, watching my mum making clothes. So, I’d love to do that show. Some people say I should go into the I’m A Celebrity jungle, because that would be my worst nightmare – so my biggest challenge. But they’re not exactly knocking on my door yet...!
Dr Ranj: On Call
starts on ITV at 7.30pm on Tuesday 3 March.