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Dr Ranj 'failed to tell BBC about secret £22.5k payment to promote jab'

18 May 2024 , 10:31
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Dr Ranj discussed
Dr Ranj discussed 'serious but rare' complications associated with the Covid vaccine

DR RANJ Singh allegedly failed to tell BBC bosses about payment for appearing in an AstraZeneca advert - before appearing on TV discussing the company's Covid jab.

The TV doctor, 44, was allegedly paid £22,500 by the pharmaceutical company in 2021 for an childhood flu advertising campaign.

Dr Ranj Singh allegedly failed to tell BBC bosses about payment for appearing in a vaccine advert eiqrkiteidduprw
Dr Ranj Singh allegedly failed to tell BBC bosses about payment for appearing in a vaccine advertCredit: ITV
He previously worked on This Morning with Holly and Phil but hit out at the show over 'bullying' on set
He previously worked on This Morning with Holly and Phil but hit out at the show over 'bullying' on setCredit: Rex

But Dr Ranj did not disclose this to executives of BBC Morning Live before he presented a segment on the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Mirror reported BBC bosses are "unhappy" and have expressed their "sense of displeasure".

Guidelines state "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".

Spectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three yearsSpectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three years

Dr Ranj, who quit This Morning in 2021, discussed "serious but rare" complications associated with the vaccine on the show on May 8.

The Mirror approached the BBC for comment earlier this week but Morning Live addressed the issue on Thursday.

Presenter Gethin Jones said: "Ranj worked with the company on an educational children's flu campaign along with a number of other medics, something he has spoken about and been clear about on his social media. 

"He has never been paid by AstraZeneca to talk about the Covid jab and hasn't worked with them since.

"Hopefully that clears up any questions on that."

A BBC spokeswoman said they hadn't known about the financial link before the show.

She said: "The segment on the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine was balanced and covered reported risks and benefits.

"We became aware of Dr Ranj's 2021 work for the manufacturer after this segment aired and have now addressed this within the show."

The Sun has approached the BBC for comment.

Dr Ranj worked on This Morning as a resident medical expert alongside Phillip Schofield, 61, and his ex co-host Holly Willoughby for six years before stepping down.

Hospitals run out of oxygen and mortuaries full amid NHS chaosHospitals run out of oxygen and mortuaries full amid NHS chaos

The star took to Instagram to tell fans he had thought "long and hard" about opening up on his experiences but was desperate to "clarify" what happened.

Speaking in the documentary, Dr Ranj said: "For me, it was the culture that had developed, in many ways about the way people were being treated and being made to feel, and it wasn't good for people's mental health.

"I felt bullied at times. And, you know, I was a mental health ambassador, anti-bullying ambassador on this channel, whose job it is to look after people.

"I was on the show for ten years and I genuinely loved and valued working there.

"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 ... 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."

Dr Ranj was allegedly paid £22,500 by AstraZeneca in 2021
Dr Ranj was allegedly paid £22,500 by AstraZeneca in 2021Credit: The Mega Agency
The TV doctor, 44, quit This Morning in 2021
The TV doctor, 44, quit This Morning in 2021Credit: Getty
Dr Ranj Singh recently left his Motivation show on the BBC Radio Asian Network
Dr Ranj Singh recently left his Motivation show on the BBC Radio Asian NetworkCredit: Instagram/BBC

Jonathan Rose

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