Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh has candidly revealed how lockdown changed her view of drinking, admitting she 'terrified herself' when she reached for wine at 11am.
Singh was reflecting on life during the pandemic when she admitted that alcohol had gradually become part of her daily routine. What initially felt harmless eventually led to a moment that made her stop and take stock.
Working and home-schooling during Covid
Ranvir was working as GMB's political editor while also home-schooling her son, Tushaan, as the country navigated the restrictions. With so much of life happening at home, she said the usual boundaries around drinking began to disappear.
"So I don't mind admitting that during Covid I was working, I was a political editor here and I was home-schooling, right, so I would leave here and I would go home and it (drinking) became really normalised," the presenter openly shared. "I think in Covid, you know on the WhatsApp group down the street, you'd say, 'Four o'clock, is it too early? Is it wine o'clock?'"
"It takes hold so quickly"
Those conversations with neighbours became a familiar part of lockdown life, but Ranvir soon experienced a moment that made her question her own habits. She remembered that it was "probably three weeks into (lockdown)" when she found herself reaching for some wine. There was nothing particularly unusual about the thought — until she checked the time.
"And I looked at the clock and it was 11am! 11am! And I terrified myself."
The revelation came as Ranvir joined Richard Madeley for a discussion about alcohol, prompted by a guest who had previously been drinking two bottles of wine a day before deciding to quit.
Reflecting on lockdown routines
Rather than simply discussing someone else's experience, Ranvir used the conversation to reflect on her own relationship with drinking during an exceptionally difficult period. Her comments offer a glimpse into how dramatically everyday routines shifted during lockdown.
With work, parenting and socialising all taking place under the same roof, the traditional distinction between a drink at the end of the day and one during working hours could easily become blurred.
Ranvir's admission follows similar conversations among the GMB presenting team. Susanna Reid has previously spoken about giving up alcohol after receiving health advice, later noting changes in areas including her skin and weight.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.
