Dr Ranj Singh, the beloved medic from BBC’s ‘Morning Live’, has taken to social media to quell speculation surrounding his absence from the show. Following a six-month hiatus, the doctor clarified that he has not been dismissed but is currently unable to participate due to brand collaborations and the associated editorial guidelines.
Clarifying the Rumours
In response to concerned viewers who wondered if he had left the programme, Dr Ranj posted an update on Instagram. “Have I left Morning Live? No, I haven’t. I’m actually taking a break while I focus on some of my other projects,” he explained. The confusion arose as fans noticed his prolonged absence, prompting unfounded claims regarding his departure.
Dr Ranj, who gained fame as a contestant on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2018 and joined ‘Morning Live’ in 2021, reassured his audience that he has not fallen out with anyone at the BBC. He emphasised, “I haven’t been replaced. My hope is to go back to Morning Live as soon as my brand work is over.”
A New Path for Dr Ranj
In addition to clarifying his situation, Dr Ranj revealed significant changes in his professional life. After two decades in the NHS, including a fulfilling role as a consultant in children’s A&E, he has decided to pause his medical practice. “I got to the level I wanted to get to. I was a consultant in children’s A&E, my dream job. I absolutely loved it,” he stated. However, he felt the need for a new challenge and is now pursuing various projects outside clinical medicine while keeping his medical licence on hold.
This shift in focus aims to allow him to explore new opportunities while still retaining his identity as a qualified doctor. “If you decide you’re not going to do clinical medicine for a bit… it’s not unusual for doctors to do that,” he added, reassuring fans that he remains a fully registered medical professional.
Recent Controversies on ‘Morning Live’
Dr Ranj’s absence follows a controversial episode of ‘Morning Live’, where the show’s hosts issued an apology for providing potentially dangerous advice to expectant mothers. During a segment discussing private scans, presenter Zoe Hardman suggested using a stethoscope to check an unborn baby’s heartbeat. This advice was quickly rebutted by a midwife who reached out to the show, warning that stethoscopes could mislead parents by only detecting maternal heartbeats or other sounds.
In light of this incident, hosts Kimberley Walsh and Gethin Jones publicly acknowledged the error, urging viewers to contact a midwife for any concerns regarding their pregnancy. This segment highlights the importance of responsible medical advice, particularly in a programme aimed at providing health guidance.
Why it Matters
Dr Ranj’s absence from ‘Morning Live’ and the recent controversies underscore the delicate balance between entertainment and accurate health information on television. As viewers increasingly turn to broadcast media for guidance on health matters, it becomes crucial for shows to ensure that the information shared is both safe and reliable. Dr Ranj’s return could not only restore a familiar face to the programme but also reinforce the importance of expert insights in navigating such sensitive topics. In a time when public trust in health information is paramount, having credible voices like Dr Ranj’s is more vital than ever.
