Jay Blades: BBC removes The Repair Shop episodes that feature host after domestic abuse charges

TW: Mentions of domestic abuse

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Jay Blades, the beloved host of BBC’s The Repair Shop, has become a well-known face on BBC for his warm personality and expertise in furniture restoration. The show, which has been on air since 2017, features a team of specialists who bring cherished family heirlooms back to life. In 2022, King Charles joined Jay Blades where he was given a tour of the Dumfries House – owned by the King's charity.

Blades' expertise has made him a programme staple, winning him a devoted audience. However, recent developments in his personal life have resulted in him being removed from the show. The allegations came as a latest headache for BBC, who had to let go of Jermaine Jenas and Huw Edwards’ admission to making indecent images of children. One BBC producer said:

At this rate, there’ll be nothing left to show!

Jay Blades removed from BBC’s The Repair Shop, here’s why

According to Deadline, BBC is pulling all episodes of The Repair Shop that feature Jay Blades after charges of his domestic abuse came to light. The show is midway through its 13th series but show bosses are keen on avoiding featuring any episode that has Blades in it.

On 13 September 2024, Jay Blades was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife, Lisa Zbozen. The charges, brought forth by West Mercia Police, detail accusations of both physical and emotional abuse, reports The Guardian. In a statement, West Mercia police said:

54-year-old Jason Blades of Claverley in Wolverhampton has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court this morning (Friday 13 September) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 11 October.

Blades' behaviour allegedly created an environment of fear and manipulation in their household. His legal battles have already led to significant repercussions, including his resignation as Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, a role he had taken on after being made an MBE for his contributions to craft, reports ITV News.

Blades was bailed on the condition that he wouldn’t contact Lisa directly or indirectly. The Sun reports that offences took place between 1 January, 2023, and 9 April, 2024.

The charge sheet states Blades allegedly ‘repeatedly or continuously engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive, namely physical and emotional abuse towards Lisa Zbozen.’

What has Jay Blades’ wife said about him?

Lisa Zbozen publicly declared in May 2024 that their relationship had ended. The fitness instructor has not provided specific details about the incidents to the public, but Zbozen’s allegations have given weight to the police’s charges, reports LBC.

In May 2024, Lisa took to her public Instagram profile 'thewkoutofficial' and revealed that her marriage had been 'abusive for a long time' until she finally left her husband. She continued:

I wanted my husband to love me & keep me safe, and I would love him right back, but it just got worse and worse, until I grabbed a bag of a few thing’s & I left & went to the police.

Adding:

I don’t know what else to say. The world got the best parts of my husband, & over time, I got a whole lot of everything else.

Lisa admitted that despite experiencing abuse, she tried to fix things but things kept getting worse. Hinting at physical abuse, she also said that she was speaking up so that no else goes through it because 'whoever you are, whatever your status, nothing gives you the right to put your hands on another person.'

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A post shared by Lisa Zbozen | Workout (@thewkoutofficial)

After Blades' trial Lisa shared a news article on her Instagram that stated Blades has been charged with ‘controlling and coercive behaviour.’ Posted by another Instagram user, the article was reposted with a caption: