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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

Ex This Morning star clarifies stance after appearing to make dig at Holly and Phil

This Morning star Ranj Singh has clarified his stance after appearing to make a dig at Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield amid their 'feud'.

The television doctor, 43, recently spoke out about what it is like working in the media industry following Phil immediately quitting the ITV show over the weekend.

Phillip, who had worked on This Morning for over 20 years, has left the show following reports he and his co-star Holly were "barely speaking" off camera.

Dr Ranj, who has worked on the BBC ’s Morning Live for two years after leaving This Morning, said of the industry: "It’s tough. A lot of us I think in the media, if you work in the media, have had a bit of a wobble this week.

Dr Ranj was a regular guest on This Morning (Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

"Where we’re kind of thinking, 'hang on, do I fit in here? Does this align with my values?' It feels like this isn’t the kind of environment that I want to be a part of," he admitted on Johnny Seifert’s Secure The Insecure podcast.

He added: "These are people that I’ve worked with. These are people that I know. I don’t know how I now fit in.

"But it’s about having the confidence in yourself to say, 'Actually, I am who I am, and I’m strong enough to be who I am, and I’m confident enough to be who I am, and no matter what’s going on around me, I have my core values and I know what is right and I know what is wrong, and I’m just going to be me through all of this'."

Following his comments, many believed Ranj was making a dig at Holly and Phil.

However he has since clarified what he meant, by saying: "I haven't worked with This Morning for over two years.

"Contrary to what some newspaper articles are implying, my recent comments about working in the media are not in reference to what is currently happening on the show.

"In other news, I'm looking forward to being back on BBC Morning Live again next week!"

Holly and Phil have presented This Morning together for 13 years (ITV)

Phil stepped down from the show with immediate effect at the weekend, whilst it was also confirmed Holly would be taking an early break for the May Bank Holiday week and half-term following Phil's exit.

In a statement released over the weekend, Phil confirmed he was quitting the show with immediate effect.

"I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind," he said.

"I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love. So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future."

He concluded his statement by confirming he'd be back on TV in a few weeks' time, adding: "I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."

His co-host Holly also released a statement, admitting the "sofa wouldn't be the same without Phil".

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