The dashing doctor talks representation and unlikely hangover cures
TV presenter, author, columnist and bona-fide medical professional Ranj Singh is a great role model for the UK’s LGBTQ community.
With a winning grin and eyebrows that would give even Cara Delevinge an inferiority complex, he sparkles with a non-judgmental, positive energy and has always been open and chatty about his sexuality and career.
Now he’s taking part in MAD DRAG, a charity event to help build awareness of HIV and AIDS both here in the UK and in Africa.
We asked him about that, his thoughts on gay life in 2019, and of course his preferred hangover meal.
Hi Ranj! What’s been your fave moment of this Summer?
There have been so many that it’s hard to pick just one! I celebrated a big birthday in June and basically spent most of the month partying. I went on a Strictly cruise where I got to dance with my partner Janette again. I had a big party in London, then flew to LA to carry on the celebrations, and then on to New York for World Pride! June was a fantastic month.
I can’t say I do that all the time, but I wanted to make sure I remembered the occasion for years to come!
Then when I got back home, it was London Pride – one of my favourite times of the year – and I got to host the Attitude Pride Awards this time which was a huge honour.
Tell us a bit about yourself for people who don’t know – how did you get into doing what you do now?
I had a bit of a non-conventional career path to be honest. I didn’t leave university thinking I wanted to be on TV, but somehow ended up on it and have loved every minute!
I went to medical school in London and then ended up working in hospital like most people do. A chance opportunity came up to work with the BBC just advising them on some of their programs for younger people, and I decided to give it a go. I was just working behind the scenes, but then I was put on screen and ended up with my name being passed around to other shows and channels. To cut a long story short, I went from being a ‘couch doctor or expert’ to co-creating a children’s TV show (which has won 2 BAFTA’s), being a resident doctor on This Morning, co-hosting a primetime ITV show, to being on Strictly Come Dancing! It’s been a bit of a whirlwind!
POC representation in the media is getting better, but there’s still a way to go. What are your thoughts on it?
I’ve always believed that the media should reflect what we see in society, especially because people from different backgrounds have so much to bring to the table. Diversity should be showcased and celebrated everywhere in all its forms to show people what a wonderful world we live in. Also, there’s the important issue of seeing people that you can relate to on TV. I grew up without any on-screen role models that looked like me or came from my background, but I hope I’m part of a group that will change that for others now.
We’ve still got a bit of a way to go until we have complete representation, but we have come so far, be that in terms of POC, gender, sexuality or ability. In many ways platforms like Netflix have really led the way on this, but other outlets are fast catching up.
It’s an interesting time to be gay at the moment too. What do you think of the gay experience in 2019?
The ‘gay experience’ is different for everyone, depending on where you come from and where you live. I can only really speak for the gay experience in London, which I know is more inclusive and accepting that some other areas and I’m very fortunate for that. My coming out experience wasn’t easy, but it was my LGBT+ family who saved and made me who I am, for which I will be forever grateful. We have such a wonderful community – a family – and we should recognise it for what it is more. However, I’ve also learned that the same community can also be quite discriminating. The amount of body fascism, racism, femme-shaming or bottom-shaming that goes on really scares me sometimes. We need to change that, otherwise we are just as bad as those who seek to oppress and discriminate against us.
Who do you admire the most in the world?
People always say to me that my parents must be so proud of everything I have done. But I tell them that actually, I am more proud of them than they could ever be of me. They came to this country as young adults with very little. What they have achieved in the face of great adversity is nothing short of incredible. I owe everything I’ve done to them and their hard work in enabling me to have opportunity. The way that they have also grown and adapted to modern day society and culture has also impressed me. I will always admire them for that.
What’s your favourite song ever?
That’s a tough one! I’m a massive music fan – everything from Nina Simone to Kylie Minogue! I’m a huge Stevie Wonder fan, and Lately is one of my karaoke classics. I actually auditioned with it for my choir, and got in!
What’s your favourite thing to eat when you’re really, REALLY hungover?
Ha! Well, I do sometimes find myself under the golden arches after a big night out! Luckily not too often though.
I actually get asked a lot as a doctor if I have a miracle cure for a hangover, but sadly I don’t! But my go to food is: Marmite on toast with orange juice and then a mug of sweet tea. The marmite contains lots of B vitamins, the orange juice contains vitamin C and helps replace fluids, the toast is full of carbohydrate and helps put something in your stomach, and the tea wakes you up a little! If that doesn’t work, then take some ibuprofen and lie down in a dark, quiet room!
Tell us a bit about the best party you’ve ever been to.
One of my most memorable parties was at New Year’s in Sydney in December 2012. It was also Kylie’s 25th anniversary in music, and I got to party with her at the Sydney Opera House. Watching fireworks whilst dancing to Kylie, with the actual, Kylie at New Year’s is pretty damn special if you ask me!
You have to pick ONE famous person to get trapped with in London Zoo overnight. Who would it be and why?
Adele. I reckon we’d have a right laugh. She could just sing all night and I’d just sit there fanboying. Then we’d go on the hunt for food and booze and have a knees up!
This MAD DRAG night sounds awesome – tell us a bit about it.
MAD DRAG is an event put on by the theatre industry, which raises funds for the Make A Different Trust. This is a charity that funds HIV and AIDS projects that build awareness and provide support, care or education in the UK and Africa. It’s a fantastic event full of fierce dancers, incredible singers, hilarious comedians, and of course, amazing drag queens! I’ll be hosting bits of the event alongside my gorgeous friends Faye Tozer, David Ames, Tom Read Wilson, Harriet Thorpe, Riyadh Khalaf and many more! It’s going to be incredible!
Finally – what are your plans for the rest of the Summer?
Well there’s not much left of it, but I’m going to try to make the most of it! I’ve got a few more Prides to go to, so I’m sure you’ll see me mincing around somewhere!
MAD DRAG is on Sunday 18th August at Proud Embankment, 8 Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2AB.
You can follow Ranj on Twitter @DrRanj
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