Dr Ranj Singh has spoken out about his divorce from his ex-wife Sulvinder Samra, after she opened up about their 'painful' separation following seven years of marriage, before the This Morning doctor came out as gay.
The TV personality took to social media to pen a statement about his divorce in 2011, which took place after Dr Ranj realised he was gay. In the lengthy post, he revealed that he never intended to revisit his divorce, or indeed his marriage to his first wife, which happened in 2006.
The Strictly Come Dancing star began his post: 'It has been nearly 20 years since my divorce, but recent conversations have brought me back to a time that was complicated, emotional, and deeply personal.'
He described it as a 'painful time for him' and added: 'I've only ever spoken about it because it's a significant period of my life, when asked directly, and in the hope that it might help someone else. I don't do it for attention or sympathy; it's a very painful time.'
He noted that the relationship broke down for 'many reasons' and they were both 'young and still working ourselves out', saying that 'therapy helped' him to understand what happened and that he wished his younger self had understood that 'identity and sexuality are complex, fluid and evolving things.'
He went on: 'We all make decisions and take steps we feel are for the best at the time. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes we don't. When we don't, it can be painful and messy, but more than that, it's just sad and heart-breaking for everyone involved. There are no winners in a breakup.'
He wrote that he 'looks back at that time, and that person, with nothing but respect, gratitude and kindness' and didn't want to 'diminish what we had together'.
The caption also explained that he wasn't trying to upset anyone with his recent comments: 'This is something I never expected to revisit, but sometimes it's important to reflect. I wanted to share this with kindness and hopefully a little perspective (and not taking away from anyone else's voice or story - every one is valid and should be heard)... I'm genuinely sad that this subject can still bring up pain and difficult feelings. That has never been, and would never be, my intention.'
Dr Ranj's boyfriend, James Colebrook, commented on the emotional post: 'Love you and always proud of you xxx'
This statement comes a week after Dr Ranj told The Big Issue briefly about the breakdown of his marriage, commenting: 'I was married and obviously that relationship broke down and then it was dealing with everybody else, friends and family. It happened when I'd got to where I was thought I was supposed to be. I had the career I'd always wanted, I always wanted a home of my own. I'd ticked all my boxes. So the big question was, why am I still not 100 per cent happy? Why does it still feel like something's not right?'
After his comments, on what would have been his 20th anniversary, his ex-wife shared her experience of their divorce with her followers. 'I thought my life would go as planned... Work hard. Get a degree. Get a job. Find a partner. Get married. Have kids. Instead I had a messy and painful divorce,' she shared on social media. She added in several posts that it took her years to heal and for a long time she felt 'unattractive, ashamed, and not good enough'.
Dr Ranj is a doctor, TV presenter and author known for his appearances on shows including CBeebies' Get Well Soon, and as the resident doctor on ITV's This Morning from 2016 to 2021. The TV star, who is currently dating actor James Colebrook, also appeared on hit BBC dancing competition Strictly in 2018 where he and partner Janette Manrara came in 10th place.
