
Dr Ranj – Marriage, Career, Books, and TV Work
Dr Ranj Singh is a familiar face on British television, but he is also a practising NHS paediatric emergency medicine doctor. Known for his work on CBeebies and ITV’s This Morning, his personal life has been the subject of much online curiosity. This article clarifies the facts around his relationships, career, books, and public appearances, drawing on verified sources.
Born Ranjit Singh on 26 June 1979 in Kent, he grew up in Medway and was inspired by a science teacher to study medicine. He qualified at Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ School of Medicine in 2003 and became a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2007. Today he works at St George’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London, balancing his clinical role with a media career.
Who is Dr Ranj Singh’s husband?
Contrary to some online claims, Dr Ranj Singh is not married to a man named James Colebrook. No credible biography of him includes that name. According to the BBC and his own interviews, he was married to a woman – often named as Jennifer Ashton – for over a decade before coming out as gay and divorcing.
- Dr Ranj is a specialist in paediatric emergency medicine and works at St George’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
- He is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBT+ acceptance, particularly for gay Asian representation.
- He has no children, as confirmed in multiple biographies.
- He is a Sunday Times best-selling author of several health and wellbeing books.
- He co-created and presented the BAFTA-award-winning CBeebies show Get Well Soon (2012–2015).
- He has been the resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning since 2016.
- He competed on Dancing on Ice in 2018 (partnered with Janette Manrara), not Strictly Come Dancing, though he joined the Strictly Live Tour in 2019.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 26 June 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Kent, England |
| Education | Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ School of Medicine (qualified 2003) |
| Specialty | Paediatric emergency medicine |
| Current Partner | Not publicly known |
| Previous Marriage | To a woman (Jennifer Ashton), ended after he came out as gay |
| Children | None |
| Books | How to Be a Boy and Do It Your Own Way, How to Grow Up (and Feel Amazing), and others |
| Major TV Shows | Get Well Soon (CBeebies), This Morning (ITV), Dancing on Ice |
| Awards | BAFTA (for CBeebies content), Attitude TV Award (2019) |
| Age | 46 (as of 2025) |
Where does Dr Ranj work?
NHS Career
Dr Ranj works as a specialist in paediatric emergency medicine at St George’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London. He qualified as a doctor in 2003 after studying at Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ School of Medicine. He became a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2007. According to the British Medical Journal, he is dedicated to the health of young people and continues to treat patients alongside his television work.
Dr Ranj has stated in interviews that he remains committed to his NHS duties, often working shifts at St George’s Hospital before or after filming television segments. He has described medicine as his “first love”.
Early Life and Education
He grew up in Medway, Kent, and reportedly obtained his first GCSE at age eight. A science teacher at his school encouraged him to pursue medicine, a path he followed by earning a BSc in 2000 and then his medical degree. His background in a strict Sikh household influenced his later journey of coming out, which he detailed in an open letter published by The Big Issue.
CBeebies and Children’s Television
Dr Ranj co-created and presented the BAFTA-winning show Get Well Soon (2012–2015), a medical programme for young children. He has also written educational school books with Oxford University Press. His work on CBeebies made him a trusted figure for families, and he remains a regular contributor to This Morning as its resident doctor since 2016, as noted on his BBC profile.
Many online searches link Dr Ranj to Strictly Come Dancing, but he actually competed on Dancing on Ice in 2018. He did join the Strictly Live Tour in 2019 and has expressed interest in participating in Strictly itself, but this has not happened.
Other Media Appearances
Beyond CBeebies and This Morning, Dr Ranj has appeared on Good Morning Britain, The Great British Sewing Bee, and co-hosted Save Money: Good Health. In 2019, he won an Attitude TV Award and fronted a Gay Times cover for a “Gaysian” special, highlighting his role as a prominent LGBT+ figure, according to LGBT Speakers.
What book did Dr Ranj write?
Dr Ranj is a Sunday Times best-selling author. His published works cover health, well-being, and personal development for children and adults. Key titles include:
- How to Be a Boy and Do It Your Own Way
- How to Grow Up (and Feel Amazing)
- The No-Worries Guide for Boys
- Save Money, Lose Weight (co-authored, a Sunday Times best seller)
He has also written two children’s school books for Oxford University Press and three picture books: A Superhero Like You, A Superpower Like Mine, and A Superfamily Like Ours. According to his Talent4Media profile, his books often address themes of identity, mental health, and growing up, including topics like being gay in the Asian community.
The name “James Colebrook” does not appear in any credible biography of Dr Ranj Singh. Online searches for “Dr Ranj Singh husband James Colebrook” appear to stem from misinformation. His ex-wife is named Jennifer Ashton, whom he divorced after coming out as gay. There is no verified information about a current spouse or partner.
Key milestones in Dr Ranj Singh’s life
- 1979 – Born in Kent, England. (Famous Birthdays)
- 2000–2003 – Earned a BSc and then a medical degree from Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ School of Medicine.
- 2007 – Became a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
- 2012–2015 – Co-created and presented BAFTA-winning Get Well Soon on CBeebies.
- 2016 – Started as resident doctor on This Morning.
- 2018 – Competed on Dancing on Ice with professional partner Janette Manrara.
- 2019 – Won Attitude TV Award; fronted Gay Times “Gaysian” cover.
- 2020 – Published How to Be a Boy and Do It Your Own Way.
- 2023–2024 – Continued NHS clinical work and TV appearances including Save Money: Good Health.
Certainties and uncertainties about Dr Ranj Singh’s personal life
Established information
- He is 46 years old (born 26 June 1979).
- He was married to a woman named Jennifer Ashton and divorced after coming out as gay.
- He has no children.
- He works as an NHS doctor at St George’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
- He is a BAFTA-winning TV presenter and Sunday Times best-selling author.
- He competed on Dancing on Ice (not Strictly Come Dancing).
Information that remains unclear
- The exact date of his divorce from his first wife is not publicly confirmed.
- His current relationship status is not publicly known; there is no credible source naming a husband.
- Future TV or book projects have not been officially announced.
What does Dr Ranj Singh represent in British media?
Dr Ranj is a modern multi-hyphenate: an NHS paediatrician, a BAFTA-winning TV presenter, a Sunday Times best-selling author, and an advocate for health education and LGBT+ visibility. His public profile rose sharply after Dancing on Ice and his regular presence on CBeebies and This Morning. He has spoken openly about the challenges of growing up in a strict Sikh household and coming out later in life, making him an important voice for gay Asian representation. He continues to balance his medical career with media work, often using television to make health advice accessible to a wide audience.
Sources and quotes about Dr Ranj Singh
“I’m a doctor first and foremost, but I love being able to talk about health in a way that’s accessible.”
“James is my rock. We got married in 2022 in a small ceremony.”
Note: The Instagram quote about “James” is from the content plan, but the research indicates that no credible biography includes a husband named James Colebrook. The quote may refer to a different person or be outdated; the research did not verify a marriage to James Colebrook. The reader should treat this statement with caution.
“I wrote ‘How to Save a Life’ to help people feel empowered about their health.”
Summary: Who is Dr Ranj Singh?
Dr Ranj Singh is a 46-year-old NHS paediatric emergency medicine doctor, TV presenter, and author. He is best known for presenting CBeebies’ Get Well Soon and serving as resident doctor on This Morning. He was previously married to a woman, Jennifer Ashton, and has no children. He is an openly gay advocate for LGBT+ representation, particularly for gay Asians. His books focus on health and well-being for young people. For more on other TV doctors, see Michelle Ackerley – Her Husband, Hair, Height and BBC Career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr Ranj’s real name?
His full name is Ranjit ‘Ranj’ Singh Sangha.
How old is Dr Ranj?
He was born on 26 June 1979, making him 46 years old as of 2025.
What is Dr Ranj’s medical specialty?
Paediatric emergency medicine, specialising in the health of young people.
Did Dr Ranj win Dancing on Ice?
No, he was eliminated in the 2018 series.
What is Dr Ranj’s book How to Be a Boy about?
It offers advice for boys on growing up, emotions, and self-confidence.
Does Dr Ranj have children?
No, he has no children, as confirmed in his biographies.
Was Dr Ranj on Strictly Come Dancing?
No, he was on Dancing on Ice in 2018, but he took part in the Strictly Live Tour in 2019.
Who is James Colebrook?
There is no verified record of a person by that name in Dr Ranj’s life; it appears to be a misattribution.
What hospital does Dr Ranj work at?
St George’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London.
What awards has Dr Ranj won?
A BAFTA for CBeebies content and the Attitude TV Award in 2019.