BBC TV star Jay Blades makes career move after The Repair Shop pulled
Fans expressed their surprise when TV star Jay Blades hosted a late night DJ session online
by Tom Bryant · ChronicleLiveJay Blades, known for hosting the popular programme The Repair Shop which drew in seven million viewers, has taken to conducting a quirky late night DJ session online. Currently out of the limelight following allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, Lisa Zbozen, 43, the TV presenter was seen engaging in a live-streamed DJ set around midnight.
The broadcast showed Blades, dressed in a black jumper and signature glasses, energetically raising his arms and warmly chatting with his modest online audience, while introducing himself as Jay Blades MBE.
A viewer shared their surprise at discovering his online activity, saying: "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."
In an unusual twist during the stream, Blades switched to a static image from one of his highly acclaimed television specials showcasing himself alongside Judi Dench. With charges against him leading to his shows being pulled from broadcast and uncertainty surrounding the fate of The Repair Shop's Christmas special, it remains to be seen how the BBC will proceed amidst these developments.
Channel 5 has decided to put on hold a documentary series that Blades was working on, titled A Country House Through Time. Furthermore, Channel 4 has confirmed they will not be producing a follow-up to his recent travelogue with Dame Judi Dench, The Odd Couple, reports the Mirror.
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Blades has been the host of The Repair Shop for seven years. His estranged wife shared a post on Instagram on May 2 announcing the end of their 18-month marriage.
An investigation was initiated by West Mercia Police the following day. Blades has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Worcester Crown Court on October 11.
His spokeswoman chose not to comment.
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