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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

Dr Ranj Singh addresses 'tough week' after statement on Phillip Schofield's ex-lover

Dr Ranj Singh discussed how he deals with having a 'tough week' after making claims about This Morning's 'toxic' culture.

The former This Morning star worked on the ITV programme since 2016 but departed over a year ago.

After the programme hit headlines over Phillip's affair with a younger employee, Dr Ranj spoke out about how he once placed a formal complaint about an unnamed bully on the set.

Dr Ranj took to social media to blast the channel's 'toxic culture' and explained his decision to leave the channel.

He was later forced to defend himself when a 2017 photo of him and Phillip's former lover resurfaced.

Dr Ranj today defended himself and issued a statement on the selfie. The caption called the showrunner the 'resident This Morning stud' - something he has clarified as a joke.

Dr Ranj Singh reveals how he copes with 'tough week' after making This Morning claims (BBC)

He said: "It’s sad that there are people out there trying to cause damage and insinuate things from a harmless picture. So here are some facts: [Phil's ex] and I worked together at This Morning. He was 21 when we took this picture at the studio. And it was obviously taken as a joke."

Amid all the ITV drama, the doctor appeared on Wednesday’s Morning Live and hinted at his time on This Morning during a segment about mental health.

Presenter Gethin Jones, 45, said to the doctor: "As your friends and colleagues know you’re having a particularly tough week this week."

He talked about coping with 'tough weeks' on Morning Live (BBC)

After Dr Ranj agreed, Gethin added: "We’re not going to go into the specifics of that but it has impacted your mental health. That’s absolutely fair to say.

"Whether it is family, whether it’s work, whether it’s general life, anything really. What are the coping mechanisms?"

Dr Ranj said: "So they’re different for everyone. But for me, it’s being aware of my feelings, and using time for self-care. Self-care is not selfish. It’s OK to do that.

Dr Ranj worked at This Morning for several years (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The doctor made claims about the programme's 'toxic culture' (@drranj/Instagram)

He says he tries to pace himself and makes sure he makes time for exercising as well as sleep.

"And leaning on those around me. Do you know what it comes to? It’s not just leaning on them. It’s showing kindness to others. It really makes me feel better," he added.

Over the weekend, Dr Ranj took to social media to explain how he had been "increasingly worried" about how things were behind-the-scenes and how individuals were being treated on This Morning.

The doctor said he 'took his concerns directly to the top of ITV' and claimed he hasn't worked on the show since.

Following Ranj's statement, an ITV spokesperson told The Mirror: "We are sorry to read Dr Ranj’s post today. At ITV we are fully committed to providing every opportunity for anyone who works with us to raise any concerns or comments they may have.

"Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed an external and independent advisor to carry out a review. This external review found no evidence of bullying or discrimination."

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