Former This Morning expert Dr Ranj Singh has candidly discussed coming out as gay while married and the response from his family to the massive life change. The Strictly Come Dancing star was previously married to a woman, a ceremony he has described as the best day of his life.

Speaking about his sexuality, the doctor, who featured on the ITV programme between 2016 and 2021, shared that he came out as gay to a close friend at approximately 30 years old, before telling his wife and family. "I was married and obviously that relationship broke down and then it was dealing with everybody else, friends and family. It happened when I'd got to where I was thought I was supposed to be," he revealed.

"I had the career I'd always wanted, I always wanted a home of my own. I'd ticked all my boxes. So the big question was, why am I still not 100% happy? Why does it still feel like something's not right? And that's when therapy brought all of that stuff out," he told The Big Issue.

The BBC Morning Live presenter uncovered through therapy that he was not "the person I thought I should be or thought I was going to be".

"This perfect life that you've imagined and hoped for and dreamt of and worked towards isn't your perfect like," he added.

Dr Ranj host admitted he felt frightened upon accepting his sexuality, comparing the moment to "everything fracturing and then falling apart". Having grown up in an Indian Sikh household, Dr Ranj previously revealed that while breaking the news to his wife was challenging enough, telling his family was "another level" entirely.

Fortunately, he recalled that his brothers reacted positively, describing it as "a beautiful moment".

He also noted that his friends were "equally amazing", which enabled him to embrace his true identity far more openly.

During Dr Ranj's Strictly Come Dancing appearance in 2018, his former father-in-law claimed the TV personality's life change had caused a "devastating impact" on the family.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Samra said: "A lot of years have passed but whenever I see him on television I either turn it off, switch channels or just walk out of the room. He still brings back a lot of painful memories for me.

"We never expected anything like this would happen and if I'm being honest, it's something that is still a little difficult for me. I have obviously accepted it but it's still hard," he added.