05-08-2025
Former Bucks university chancellor and Repair Shop host charged with rape
Former Repair Shop star and Bucks New University chancellor, Jay Blades, has been charged with two counts of rape.
The 55-year-old from Claverley, Shorpshire is due to appear in court next week after West Mercia Police revealed the charges earlier today (August 5).
Blades previously studied criminology and philosophy as a mature student at the High Wycombe university where he was later appointed as the its first chancellor in 2023.
He accepted the role on the condition that the university reinstate its furniture restoration course and received an honorary doctorate at the same time.
He resigned from that post in September 2024 and was thanked for his 'loyal service' at the time.
READ MORE:
A spokesperson for the West Mercia Police 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."
The TV star is also due to appear via videolink at a court in Worcester on Tuesday in relation to a separate charge charge of controlling or coercive behaviour.
Blades denies the allegation and is on conditional bail in that case.
He previously attended a short hearing where he spoke only to confirm his name.
Blades set up the High Wycombe-based charity, Out of the Dark, to train disadvantaged young people how to restore furniture but the organisation was later hit with funding issues.
The former repair shop host was honoured with an MBE in 2021 but stepped back from his role on the popular BBC series about restoring broken or damaged family heirlooms last year.
He also hosted Money for Nothing, Jay Blades' Home Fix and Jay and Dom's Home Fix.
