BBC star Jay Blades appears in court after separate rape charges emerge
TV presenter Jay Blades has appeared in court charged with controlling or coercive behaviour, after separate accusations emerged against him of two counts of rape.
The 55-year-old, known for fronting popular BBC show The Repair Shop, appeared at Worcester Crown Court via video link on Tuesday, August 5, for a preliminary hearing in relation to the controlling or coercive behaviour charge.
Police said he is due to appear at Telford Magistrates' Court on August 13 for the rape charges.
Blades, who wore animal-print spectacles, a grey suit and a blue polka-dot tie, spoke only to confirm his name during the short hearing.
The star denied engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen between January 1, 2023 and September 12, 2024.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, West Mercia Police also confirmed separate charges of rape. The force said: 'Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape. He is due to appear at Telford Magistrates' Court on 13 August 2025.'
Blades made the decision to step back from the BBC show just six days after he announced his marriage was over.
Blades, who was awarded an MBE in the 2021 Birthday Honours for his services to crafts has three children; a daughter from his first marriage and two sons from previous relationships.
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