FEELING DOWN
This Morning legend sparks concern as they reveal ‘heartbreakingly bad’ year, saying ‘I’m the lowest I’ve ever been’
It comes after the star opened up about their own experience on the ITV show
THIS Morning legend Dr Ranj sparked concern as he revealed he'd experienced a "heartbreakingly bad" year as he said goodbye to 2023.
The TV doctor, 44, took to Instagram to share a lengthy message about the past 12 months and admitted he was feeling at his lowest.
3
3
Dr Ranj, who is best known for appearing on the ITV daytime show between 2016 to 2022, said he wanted to share this honest post to reflect the highs and lows that are not seen on social media.
The Strictly star shared a photo of him wearing a suit and stood in front of a lectern as he delivered a speech at an event.
Alongside the picture, he wrote: "I wanted to share a whole bunch of pics from this year to remind myself of all the good bits, but I can just scroll down my feed to see that!
"So I’ll just say this… I’ll never forget or take for granted how lucky and privileged I am to have had those times and all the gorgeous people I shared them with. But I’m also not going to pretend it’s all been hunky dory either…
READ MORE ON THIS MORNING
"Honestly, 2023 has been one of the hardest years of my life.
"The lows have been heartbreakingly difficult, and I’m finishing it having felt the lowest I have in a long time (it’s probably not obvious from what you see on here - but THAT’S the thing about social media!).
"I don’t say that for attention or sympathy. But because THAT is real life."
He continued: "So I’m just posting this picture because I want to remind myself of a moment when I was genuinely happy.
Most read in News TV
"I felt like I was doing what I had worked so hard for, and was exactly where I was supposed to be. And I had a huge sense of hope and optimism for the future. It was a moment of joy.
"It’s that precise feeling I’m going to take with me into 2024.
"I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I’ll make a promise to myself that I will try to dream bigger, work harder and be kinder. And I will continue to chase my joy and always do the right thing.
"Goodbye 2023… you were a huge lesson. And now I’m ready for a new one. Let’s all hopefully have a happier new year."
His followers were full of praise for his honesty and were quick to shower him with support.
One wrote: "You are a genuine honest man and not sugar coating your life on Instagram like a million others. We all have good and bad times so here's to hope that 2024 will be better than thus one. Lots of blessings and love . Happy New Year Dr Ranj."
A second commented: "You are a man of principle and stand up for what you believe. Bravo. Huge admiration from me. Sending you love for 2024."
TV presenter and friend Gethin Jones posted: "Not sure you could be any kinder pal. Bad times are there to make the good bits ever better, right? Hope you get your glitter off by midnight."
Earlier this year, Dr Ranj slammed the "toxic" culture of bullying at ITV's This Morning.
The star told fans he had thought “long and hard” about opening up on his experiences on the show, but was desperate to “clarify” what happened.
In the social media statement, Dr Ranj claimed that he “raised concerns” about Phillip Schofield and show producer Martin Frizell before being used “less and less” as a guest.
“I was on the show for ten years and I genuinely loved and valued working there,” Dr Ranj said.
“However, over time I grew increasingly worried about how things were behind-the-scenes and how people, including myself, were being treated.
“I didn’t know the truth about what was going on with Phillip, but I do know the issues with This Morning go far beyond him. It takes more than one person to create a culture.
“So I did what I thought was right and, as ITV confirmed last night, I raised my concerns about Martin’s behaviour (and the environment at TM) with Emma Gormley [managing director] especially given that my job is to look after people’s well being and I had been heavily involved in diversity, anti-bullying and mental health projects across the channel.”
“I then found myself being used less and less.”
Dr Ranj continued: “I even took my concerns directly to the top of ITV.
“The culture at This Morning had become toxic, no longer aligned with ITV values, and I felt like because I whistle-blew I was managed out.”
He added that show bosses “assured” him his complaints were being investigated and “changes made” - but failed to see the changes he was looking for.
“That was two years ago, and frankly, it still hurts,” Dr Ranj concluded.
“The whole process was pretty heartbreaking and even affected my mental health.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“I sincerely hope something good comes from all this.”
It came after Phillip, 61, admitted to having an affair with a much younger co-worker.
3