The alleged Shropshire Rapist and Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades has been charged with two counts of rape. Authorities validated the accusations against the 55-year-old father of three from Shropshire.
Jay Blades hosted the successful BBC program for seven years before relinquishing his role last year.
West Mercia Police announced charges against the father of three, with a magistrates’ court hearing scheduled for next Wednesday.
A representative announced: “Jason Blades, 55, from Claverley in Shropshire, has been indicted on two counts of rape.”
He is scheduled to appear at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 13 August 2025.
In 2022, Jay Blades received an MBE for his contributions to craft, while King Charles made an appearance on the Repair Shop in the same year.
The television personality is presently facing trial on an additional charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against his separated wife, Lisa-Marie Zbozen, which he has refuted.
Jay Blades was apprehended in May 2024, coinciding with fitness teacher Lisa’s announcement of her decision to terminate their 18-month marriage.
In September, Jay Blades was indicted.
His actions allegedly caused Lisa “to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against her”.
The presenter pleaded not guilty to the charge — which relates to the period between January 1, 2023 and September 12, 2024 — at a court hearing last October.
He is due to attend Worcester crown court today for a pre-trial review regarding the charge.
Jay Blades, who married Lisa in an intimate ceremony in Barbados in November 2022, took a break from filming following his arrest.
Sources said the decision was also linked to the death of his uncle Richard Braithwaite, 72, in North London in March.
Jay Blades was also dropped from The Repair Shop’s live show, Secrets From The Barn, and quietly removed from promotional material.
His Repair Shop co-star, horologist Steve Fletcher, revealed in March he had visited Blades while on a break from the live tour.
Steve shared a photograph of himself with Jay Blades on Instagram with the caption: “In a break from our ‘Secrets From the Barn’ Tour, I popped in to see Jay the other day for a cup of tea and a lovely chat.
“It was great to catch up. Hope to see him again soon.”
The BBC later replaced Jay Blades with Roman Kemp for the Christmas special of the popular series.
Jay Blades also resigned as chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University “with immediate effect” following the initial charge.
It said: “We thank Jay for his loyal service to the university and will be making no further comment
As well as fronting The Repair Shop since 2017, Jay Blades also hosted BBC shows including Money For Nothing and Jay Blades’ Home Fix.
He also appeared as a contestant on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special and fronted a special BBC documentary, Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51.
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