The TV doctor turned musical theatre star on unfortunate encounters with one-way streets, his favourite driving seat view and why he’s gone electric for good

Are you a good driver?
Well, the statistics seem to indicate that I’m OK. I haven’t had any major accidents or run-ins with the authorities. And I’ve got to the point in my life where I find driving quite therapeutic. Work takes me to Manchester for half the week and I use that four- or five-hour drive to just sit back and think about… life, I suppose! 

How long did it take you to pass your test? 
At 17, getting your driving licence felt like one of those milestones you had to pass on the way to being a proper grown-up. I was so desperate to get on the road that I messed up the first time and drove the wrong way down a one-way street! That made me really focus for the second attempt and I passed with flying colours. 

What was your first car? 
Although we were a working-class family and money was tight, my parents surprised me with a little gold Peugeot 106. Yes, it was a tin can on wheels, but it was my tin can on wheels. No more looking at bus timetables and worrying about the last bus home! 

First time you drove abroad?
I’ll be honest, I don’t like driving abroad. I find it difficult to get my head around being on the wrong side of the road. The first time was a holiday in Madeira, a good few years ago. You could hire these electric buggies that were like golf carts. They had a maximum speed of about 20 miles per hour, which was perfect for me. 

Your favourite road trip destination?
Any trip that takes me past Stonehenge. I drove down to Newquay recently and suddenly saw this mysterious, beautiful, mind-blowing structure appearing on the horizon. People always talk about road trips in America or Europe, but let’s not forget what we have on our own doorstep. 

Have you ever crashed?
Just a few scrapes. Car park pillars and I don’t seem to get on very well, especially in modern cars. My 106 had no problems, but everything is so much wider now. No wonder we’ve got so many cars with parking sensors!

What’s your ultimate driving album/song?
Because I’m about to start touring with the musical & Juliet, the soundtrack has been on heavy rotation. I’m a big fan of musical soundtracks anyway, but this one is packed with great pop songs: ‘I Want It That Way’, ‘Baby One More Time’, ‘I Kissed a Girl’. It’s like having extra rehearsal time. 

Prone to road rage?
It’s not a good idea to lose your temper when you’re in charge of a vehicle. You’re putting yourself and other people in danger. 

Most dramatic road trip story?
A couple of years ago, I was offered a trip through Croatia in a Ford Mach-E, which is the electric version of the Mustang. The landscape was stunning, and the electric experience was so enjoyable that I decided to make the switch. I find them so much easier to drive. 

What cars do you own now?
I’ve gone fully electric with a BMW iX. Because I look after kids and young people in my day job, I see the horrible results of air pollution. Anything we can do to ease the effect we’re having on the planet can only be a good thing. 

What’s your dream car?
I’m not one of those petrolhead guys who lusts after a vintage Ferrari. I like comfort... I like knowing that my car will get me from here to there without me having to worry. I’ve only had the iX for a few months, but it always puts a smile on my face. 

Describe your relationship to driving in five words or fewer.
Calm and kind (to the environment). 

Dr Ranj Singh is on tour playing Lance is in the hit musical & Juliet until 12 October 2024. Find tickets here

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This article has been tagged Adventure, Driving