The decision to drop an episode of The Repair Shop from the BBC’s schedule and remove future shows has been made following host Jay Blades being charged with coercive and controlling behaviour against his wife. The Repair Shop, currently in its 13th season, will not feature episodes hosted by Blades during the criminal proceedings, according to The Times. Although future episodes have been shelved, all past episodes of the popular show are still available on iPlayer, with 300 episodes ready to watch.
Blades, 54, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court after being charged by West Mercia Police with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in a family or intimate relationship. The charges relate to his wife, fitness instructor Lisa Zbozen, who announced the end of their relationship on Instagram. The couple married in Barbados in 2022. Blades is scheduled to appear at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 11. West Mercia Police confirmed the charges against Blades in a statement and mentioned his appearance in court.
Blades, a furniture restorer, gained fame through The Repair Shop which he has presented since 2017. He was awarded an MBE for services to craft in 2022. Blades also presented Money For Nothing until 2020, appeared on various TV shows, and explored history in documentaries. Despite his resignation from Buckinghamshire New University as Chancellor, following the charges, Blades continues to face legal proceedings. The BBC’s decision to pull episodes featuring Blades from the show’s future broadcast schedule marks a significant development in light of the ongoing legal proceedings.