Dr. Ranj Singh is a well-known face on television for years, but the former Strictly Come Dancing star has spent years quietly battling anxiety.
Dr Ranj Singh might be one of Britain’s most recognisable TV medics, but behind the dazzling smile and quick quips, the former Strictly Come Dancing star has spent years quietly battling anxiety. And, he says, it was the glitterball that helped him face it head-on.
He grunts harshly, “Strictly made me face anxiety.” Because I needed to perform, that show forced me to finally master how to manage my anxiety. I would think, “I can’t do this,” on Monday. You’re on that floor by Friday, and it’s live. Although it’s terrifying, you change.
Having appeared in the show in 2018 and being voted off in week seven, these days, when he hears the famous theme tune, the nostalgia hits hard. “Every time I hear that theme tune, I want to do it all over again,” he confesses. “It was one of the best experiences of my life. Strictly survives because we love it – scandals come and go, but that show will always be part of British life.”
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And while he’s now bowing out of BBC Morning Live, the good doctor is reflecting on everything he’s learned — about health, mental wellbeing, and social media.
For Ranj, dance isn’t just exercise. It’s medicine. “I still dance — it keeps me sane,” he beams. “Zumba and dance are my favourite ways to stay active. It’s fun, it’s sweaty, it’s good for the head. I even sneak in the odd private dance class when I can. Once this house is finished, I’ll be doing a lot more of it.”
Dance became his lifeline during the height of his anxiety, but he insists it’s not just about glitter and sequins. “I’ve always said mental health isn’t just about medication. I’ve never needed meds — just better sleep, breaking things down into smaller tasks and a bit of therapy when I need it,” he explains. “Therapy changed my life. I wish more men would try it.”
Ranj has been open about the significant role therapy has had in his personal life, particularly since coming out as gay. He claims, “I wish more men would take it seriously. “I wish talking therapy changed my life. Men are given power, but they are not given the right to speak. That needs to change, ” “
For him, therapy is a tool, not a taboo. “I treat therapy like first aid — I go when I need a mental health reset. You don’t have to wait until you hit the wall.” And it’s not just therapy that’s changed his mindset.
What has been my greatest contribution to my mental health? learning to reject. Not yet, or no. That has saved me.
Dr. Ranj was not spared by the pandemic. He battled COVID for a long time, like millions. He claims that “my brain fog is finally dissipating.” However, rest, rest, and patience were required for recovery. There is no magic treatment; it is about being yourself.
He also discovered the hard way about “hangxiety,” or the crushing next-day anxiety experienced by so many people after a night of drinking. He acknowledges that he cut back on his drinking and that his anxiety decreased overnight. “I don’t have to stop drinking, but I haven’t completely,” says the statement.
He’s also fiercely protective of the NHS — and not afraid to call out the critics including Jeremy Clarkson who recently criticised the NHS, only to be rushed into hospital days later.
Clarkson firmly believes that “the NHS is easy to judge when you’re healthy” when he praised it. It is under a lot of pressure, but it always saves lives. We must hold it in high regard.
One of Ranj’s most difficult years recently occurred online rather than in a hospital. He was brutally abused by another GP earlier this year, and they were charged with their actions. He claims that a doctor trolled me online and that they were charged with indictment. Through that terrible time, I was blessed with family, friends, and honest conversation. Rules must be followed in social media. Social media for under-16s must be outlawed because “the harm is real.”
He’s since stepped back from the worst platforms. “I’ve come off TikTok and X — they’re not worth the mental health cost. If things get bad online, I put my phone down and talk to real people. Social media isn’t the real world.”
Dr. Ranj has spent the past two years squirming in plaster, pipes, and historical property issues while millions tuned in to watch him sparkle off-camera on Strictly. He laughs as he recounts his two years of renovation work on a 200-year-old home. “I’ve always loved fixing things, so I want to help others stop problems before they escalate.”
His house’s renovation in the countryside of Manchester has resulted in both joy and frustration. He claims that it is “old, damp, and gorgeous.” I’ve learned a lot about how dampness and heating affect your health. And we shot everything, he claims. My own DIY show will debut in 2019,” he says.
Because of all the elbow grease used in Ranj’s campaign, HomeServe collaborated with them. “This campaign spoke to me about the stress that homeowners experience, especially if they don’t fix things.” He explains that he has experienced every possible home headache. Early home repair can reduce stress, money, and even your health, according to the article. Like medicine, prevention overseas.
He’s dealt with the lot, with dripping taps, musty smells, and dodgy boilers. I constantly bleed radiators, she says. He says that having a direct impact on my health, he says, is important. Dr. Ranj has a busy schedule, including appearing in a panto in Southampton later this year and writing a children’s encyclopaedia about the human body. He also fixes boilers.
“I’d love to do The Masked Singer, I’m A Celeb or Big Brother, but I have yet to be asked,” he admits. “I’d jump at the chance. But for now, I’m excited about panto and the book.”
He’s happy being “the fun uncle,” but he won’t rule out adoption in the future. “Maybe in the future,” Never say never, but for the moment, I’m a happy godparent and uncle.
La Voix became the first drag performer to appear on the main stage for Strictly this year, which Ranj describes as “a milestone we needed.” He claims that La Voix is “always the cabaret drag we needed on prime-time TV.” “Representation matters.” The audience enjoys it because it now strictly reflects reality.
He is proud of how far the show has come since its founding in 2018. It’s just two people dancing in front of the audience. That’s how beautiful it is. Dr. Ranj is clear about what he would change as someone who has endured both the glitz and the suffering of online fame. He claims that “social media for under-16s” should be outlawed. Thirteen was a “arbitrary number” that tech companies chose. Young people are unable to deal with the pressure, abuse, and trolling. A 13-year-old doesn’t put it in perspective because I’ve had life experience.
His words of wisdom? “Log off. Talk to actual people. Not a screen captures the real world. Dr. Ranj Singh has handled everything from Strictly Spark to Zumba sweat, from a squabbling court case to a crumbling warehouse renovation, and he is now putting his weight on a new mission to help the country stay healthy and lose weight. He laughs, “I’ve been through anxiety, hangxiety, foggy brain, trolls, radiators that don’t work.” However, talking, dancing, and saying no when I need to keep me going are what keep me going.
One thing is certain about Dr. Ranj as he prepares for his upcoming big performance: He isn’t slowing down. He exclaims, “Life is messy, but it’s beautiful.” Have a dance and let your radiators bleed if all else fails.”
The Home Health Check self-assessment, part of HomeServe’s wider Boiler Booster initiative is available now at www.HomeServe.co.uk/homehealthcheck, offering households an easy way to diagnose their home’s health and stay ahead of costly emergencies.
Source: Mirror
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