Former star of The Repair Shop, Jay Blades, has been accused of two counts of rape.
Police confirmed the allegations against the star who fronted the BBC show for seven years before stepping back in 2024.
It was also confirmed that the host, 55, is set to appear in court next week.
‘Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.
‘He is due to appear at Telford magistrates’ court on 13 August 2025,’ a spokesperson for the West Mercia Police told The Sun.
It was announced that Blades was taking a step back from the show in May 2024, soon after he split from his wife.
Blades’ wife, Lisa Marie Zbozen, shared on social media that their marriage was over after 18 months.
In her message, she said that she felt ‘incredibly sad about the whole thing’, adding: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much’.
It was then reported that while The Repair Shop was continuing to film, Blades was ‘having a break’ from the production.
‘Jay has taken a step back and is having a break from filming The Repair Shop,’ a source told The Sun.
‘His uncle’s death in March and the breakdown of his marriage means he has decided to take some time out.’
In October, Blades was charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, with allegations coming from his estranged wife, Zbozen.
Blades pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The charge against Blades alleges his behaviour had a serious effect’ on his partner.
Judge James Burbidge KC rejected an application for part of the proceedings to be heard in private, before adjourning the case with a possible trial date of May 6 next year.
The future of BBC TV programme The Repair Shop, which he has been a part of ever since it launched in 2017, has been called into question.
An insider reportedly told The Sun: ‘The Beeb won’t feature any new shows in which he appears until it is clear how legal proceedings conclude.’
The broadcaster previously confirmed to Metro that he is not currently filming the programme, and the BBC is currently not going to be scheduling any programmes in which he is featured- but content that already features Blades will remain on BBC iPlayer.
Metro has reached out to Jay Blades’ representatives and the West Mercia Police for comment.
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