Jay Blades denies 'coercive behaviour' charge as he appears in court after BBC show axe

Former BBC The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades has pleaded not guilty to engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife Lisa Zbozen

Former BBC host Jay Blades has entered a not guilty plea after being accused of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife. Dressed in a sharp three-piece suit and his trademark flat cap, Blades made his appearance at Worcester Crown Court this afternoon, ahead of the planned 2pm hearing.

Blades, hailing from Claverley in Shropshire, stood before the Recorder of Worcester, Judge James Burbidge KC, and only spoke to verify his identity to the court clerk and to state his plea. Blades, who gained popularity as the presenter of BBC's The Repair Shop, was charged last month with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship by the police.

The charge is linked to his wife Lisa Zbozen, a fitness instructor, as per court documents. Ms Zbozen revealed the end of their relationship in an Instagram post on May 2.

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Their separation comes less than two years after their lavish Barbados wedding ceremony in November 2022. Blades, aged 54, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on September 13 regarding the same charge and was released on bail until his next court date, reports the Mirror.

The furniture restorer and TV personality, who was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his contributions to craft, is a dad to three kids, a daughter and two sons from his first marriage and past relationships. In May 2022, it was revealed that Blades would take on the role of the inaugural Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University.

The university had previously honoured him with an honorary degree "for his significant contribution to furniture-making and crafts and community work". However, he stepped down from the chancellorship last month.

Blades shot to fame as the host of The Repair Shop when it debuted on BBC Two in 2017. In October 2022, the father-of-three fronted a special episode of the BBC show featuring King Charles.

Following his recent court case, Blades has reportedly been cut from The Repair Shop's upcoming tour. This week, there were reports that Blades will be absent from the show's forthcoming theatre tour, Secrets From The Barn. The BBC is said to be considering cancelling the planned Repair Shop Christmas special, and Channel 5 has already axed the documentary series A Country House Through Time.