The Repair Shop's Jay Blades makes surprise career move fans never saw coming

The Repair Shop star Jay Blades has turned his hand to another career, appearing in a late-night MixCloud session - his first public appearance since he was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour

Jay Blades, the familiar face from The Repair Shop, surprised his fans by hosting a unique late-night MixCloud session, trading in his usual workshop tools for DJ decks.

Despite the love of seven million viewers for the hit series, Jay took on the night with a different tune. Pulled away from television due to allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his ex-wife Lisa Zbozen, 43, Jay seemed at ease throughout the set, donning a black sweater and his signature glasses.

He introduced himself as Jay Blades MBE to the small audience watching in the wee hours, where he was seen getting into the groove and interacted warmly with them. A taken aback fan explained their astonishment: "I couldn't believe it when I saw he was online doing a session it's a website called MixCloud which DJs use.

"He seemed like a guy without a care in the world, and looked like he was having a few drinks and he was dancing away on his own maybe that is helping to get him through. At the end he said he'd be back online soon and asked viewers to keep an eye on his channels for updates about it."

At one point, Jay made an enigmatic change to a still image from a memorable episode featuring Judi Dench, in contrast to his currently halted television endeavours, according to reports from The Mirror.

The Sun has revealed that Jay Blades will not be appearing in this year's The Repair Shop Christmas special on BBC1. Channel 5 has also decided to put a halt to a documentary series that Blades was involved in, titled A Country House Through Time, reports OK!.

Furthermore, Channel 4 has confirmed they will not be producing a sequel to his recent travelogue with Dame Judi Dench, The Odd Couple. Jay has also stepped down from his role at the King's Foundation, where he served as an ambassador. He has been the face of The Repair Shop for seven years.

His estranged wife announced the end of their 18-month marriage in an Instagram post on May 2. West Mercia Police launched an investigation the following day. Jay has since been released on bail and is due to appear at Worcester Crown Court on October 11.

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 September 13) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday October 11."

The Repair Shop airs on BBC One weekdays and can be streamed via iPlayer.