Jay Blades, the former star of the BBC’s The Repair Shop, has been charged with two counts of rape, West Mercia Police confirmed.
The 55-year-old, from Claverley, Shropshire, is scheduled to appear at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 13 August 2025.
The allegations follow a tumultuous period for Blades, who stepped back from the popular show in May 2024, shortly after his marriage to Lisa Marie Zbozen ended after 18 months.
Blades, who fronted The Repair Shop since its debut in 2017, announced his break from filming after personal challenges, including the death of his uncle in March 2024 and his marital split.
Zbozen shared her grief on social media, describing the emotional toll of the separation.
In October 2024, Blades faced separate charges of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, which he denied.
A trial for those charges is potentially set for May 2025, with Judge James Burbidge KC rejecting a request for private proceedings.
The BBC has distanced itself from Blades amid the legal proceedings. Metro UK says A spokesperson confirmed he is not currently filming, and no new programmes featuring him will be scheduled until the cases are resolved.
However, existing content with Blades remains available on BBC iPlayer. An insider told The Sun that the broadcaster is awaiting clarity on the legal outcomes before deciding on his future with the network.
The Repair Shop, beloved for its heartwarming restoration stories, faces uncertainty as Blades’ absence raises questions about the show’s direction.
The allegations mark a significant fall from grace for Blades, whose charismatic presence made him a household name.
