Dr Ranj Singh's ex-wife, Sulvinder Samra, has launched a scathing attack on the TV doctor after he once again recounted the end of their seven-year marriage when he came out as gay. This week, Dr Ranj reflected on the split, stating that his life 'fell apart' when their marriage ended in 2011 but that he found solace in his 'chosen family' within the LGBT community.
Sulvinder Shares Her Side
In response, Sulvinder broke her silence, revealing that it took years for her to heal from the betrayal and that she battled feelings of being 'unattractive, ashamed, and not good enough.' After receiving an outpouring of support from her social media followers, she questioned her ex-husband's motives for repeatedly telling the story.
One follower commented on her initial post: 'What does Dr Ranj hope to achieve from continuing to tell this story? Fame? Money? Attention? It must be incredibly frustrating and embarrassing for this lady, as not only has he ruined her life - He seems to be profiting from her misfortune. He's getting a pat on the back for being brave… whilst she still seems to be piecing her life back together.'
The follower added: 'If I'd unintentionally caused a person this much pain, I would perhaps tell my story once and leave it as that, for the sake of the person I hurt.' Sulvinder replied: 'yes, it would appear to be that way unfortunately.'
Social Media Support
Another follower wrote: 'Just because he's an insecure little man he has to drag someone else through his selfishness and make you insecure too! You was always too good for that! Always know your power.' Sulvinder responded: 'thank you. You have a great way with words!'
She also thanked a follower who commented: 'Another man painting himself as a victim after destroying another person. Funny how they always start from the middle of a story. Well done to you for coming out stronger.'
Sulvinder later shared a video thanking her followers for their support, saying that revealing her side of the story was her 'pushing myself out of my comfort zone, facing my fears, being brave.' She captioned the clip: 'Honestly, I'm a bit lost for words. But I'll try. I asked you to share your story with me and so many of you have. Thank you, I know how much courage that takes. Sharing my story yesterday was me pushing myself way out of my comfort zone and facing my fears, so if that inspires you in any way then know that I'm here cheering you on!'
Background of the Marriage
Sulvinder had been married to Dr Ranj for seven years when her world was shattered by the revelation that her husband was gay and wanted to leave their marriage to pursue relationships with men. In a heartbreaking Instagram post on Thursday, she marked what would have been her 20th wedding anniversary by sharing a montage of throwback snaps.
She wrote: '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 revealed that she 'carried the beliefs from a failed marriage' and entered into unhealthy relationships, adding: 'I could not trust anyone. I did not trust myself. I believed I wouldn't be a good mum, I'm not good at relationships, I did not deserve any happiness.'
As a result, she gave up her dream of motherhood, accepting that she would 'only be an aunt.' However, 12 years after the divorce, she decided to turn her life around. She quit her job as a pharmacist and retrained as a nervous system coach, helping clients regulate their autonomic nervous system to reduce chronic stress and heal trauma.
Family Tragedy
Just as she began to rebuild her life, her sister was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Sulvinder said: 'She became my priority. And I witnessed true bravery. Love shows up in different forms. Family is my everything.' She concluded: 'So don't let the past dictate your future. Everyday is a choice. YOU get to choose what your story is going to be... no one else.'
Dr Ranj's Reflections
Dr Ranj, a household name through appearances on This Morning and Morning Live, married Sulvinder in 2005 in a traditional Sikh ceremony. Despite his successful career as an NHS clinician, he felt something was missing. He told the Big Issue: '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?'
Through therapy, he realised he was not 'the person I thought I should be or thought I was going to be.' He came out to his wife in 2009, and their marriage ended in 2011. He described finding acceptance within the gay community as 'a feeling akin to my wings finally unfolding and then taking off.' He is now in a relationship with actor James Colebrook.
In 2018, Sulvinder's father Jemera Samra broke the family's silence, telling the Daily Mail: 'A lot of years have passed but whenever I see him on television I either turn it off, switch channels or just walk out of the room. He still brings back a lot of painful memories for me.' The Daily Mail has contacted Dr Ranj's representatives for comment.
