BBC star dropped from hit morning show over fat jab controversy
The BBC confirmed there are 'no plans' for the star's return to screens.
BBC's Morning Live star Dr Ranj Singh has appeared to have been quietly replaced by the broadcaster after being noticeably absent from screens since July. At the time, it was reported that the health expert accepted a lucrative deal to become an ambassador for the weight loss company, Voy. Instead of his regular appearance and advice on the programme, the BBC have hired the likes of Dr Kas Ahmed, who found fame on The Traitors series three, and Dr Aziza Sesay alongside regular contributors Dr Xand van Tulleken, Dr Punam Krishan and Dr Oscar Duke.
Although Dr Ranj has been away from screens for six months and the BBC has filled the gap with other experts, The Sun reported that the move is temporary. While the 46-year-old promotes the jab and coaches those trying to shed excess weight, a BBC insider confirmed to the outlet: "Dr Ranj hasn’t been a regular expert on Morning Live for a long time now."
Read more: BBC Breakfast host interrupts live broadcast to announce death of legend
Read more: BBC suddenly stops filming as star's wife goes into labour during live recording
"With weight loss injections being very topical at the moment, it would have been inappropriate for him to have been discussing it on-screen, having signed a deal to promote a weight loss company."
The source added: "While he’s stepped aside to focus on other freelance work, some fresh faces have been brought in who have really impressed bosses.
“Having a pool of experts who dip in and out of the show is really important to the Morning Live crew. It’s very much a team effort.”
Dr Ranj hasn’t appeared on Voy’s social media pages since November 13 and does not yet have a confirmed return date to the BBC. In his first paid partnership advert with the company, the expert was joined by Loose Women star Coleen Nolan, who discussed her own experience with weight loss.
The amount of money Dr Ranj is being paid remains unknown, and the length of his contract has not been made available to the public.
Speaking on working with the weight loss company, the TV presenter said: "I partnered with Voy because with them, weight loss isn’t just about size or numbers.
"Voy takes a truly holistic approach to health. They’re all about making you healthier, and that’s why it’s so important to me."
According to BBC guidelines, "significant financial interests" should be declared "if they are in any way connected with the area in which they work or the subject matter they cover".
In a statement, a BBC spokesman told the publication: "As we’ve said previously, Dr Ranj has stepped away from his role on Morning Live while he fulfils an ongoing third-party engagement."
