TV doctor reveals he was suicidal before coming out as gay
Celebrity doctor and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dr Ranj has revealed he was suicidal before he decided to come out.
The star, real name Ranjit Singh, has said the pressure surrounding the decision to come out left him ‘truly broken’.
Read more: Strictly's Dr Ranj announces surprising news about his medical career
The 40-year-old, was married to a woman after leaving university, said: “Ten years ago my life changed dramatically.
"I came out of a straight relationship and started to accept who I actually was.
“I was truly broken. I felt like I was a really bad, horrible person just for being true to myself. In times like that, you have really dark thoughts and I did have times when I thought it would be easier not to be here.”
Off to celebrate #pride in London with my LGBT+ friends, family & allies.
Also remembering the importance of this occasion - what it means & why we have it. All love is equal & everyone deserves to be safe, healthy & happy 🌈❤️@itv @PrideInLondon #loveislove pic.twitter.com/3BoW1LXCg3— Ranj Singh (@DrRanj) July 6, 2019
But he added: “It was only because of the kindness and grace of my friends and family, and the LGBT+ family that I was able to put myself together again.”
Dr Ranj also revealed he managed to gather the courage to speak to his family about being gay when he appeared on Strictly.
He said: “I never thought my family would be as accepting as they are. They are the most loving and supportive people I know.”
Read more: Dr Ranj Singh says he feels under pressure to look good on screen
This Morning resident GP Ranj recently spoke about experiencing homophobia in the NHS, saying: “The media industry is much more accepting, but I feel like the medical world has a little further to go.
“It’s a bit ironic that the caring profession could ever be prejudiced, but it does happen.
“People like myself and so many others are here to change that, though.”
Dr Ranj first gained recognition on CBeebies show Get Well Soon. In 2018 he was the sixth contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing, when he and dance partner Janette Manrara were eliminated.
