TV host Jay Blades charged with abusive behaviour
Jay Blades, host of BBC series The Repair Shop, has been charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.
The presenter faces one charge and appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Following the news, the BBC has dropped a repeat of an epsiode of David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed, in which Mr Blades appears with actor David Jason, from Friday’s BBC One schedule.
A BBC spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”
West Mercia Police said it launched an investigation after being called on 3 May.
In a statement, the force said: “Fifty-four 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 13th September) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 11th October.”
Mr Blades found fame in 2017 when The Repair Shop launched, first in a daytime slot and then moving to prime time after it became a hit.
Mr Blades was last on air on The Repair Shop on Wednesday, and the show was nominated for the National Television Awards, which took place on the same night.
He has also gone on to host Money for Nothing, Jay Blades’ Home Fix and Jay and Dom’s Home Fix, and was honoured with an MBE in 2021.
He was reported to have split from his wife in May after 18 months of marriage.
