Jay Blades facing SECOND court case ‘for using mobile while driving’ as Repair Shop future hangs in balance
BBC star Jay Blades is facing a second court case for allegedly using his mobile while driving.
The Repair Shop host — charged last week with controlling and coercive behaviour towards his wife — is due in the dock tomorrow for the phone rap.
Furniture restorer Blades, 54, who is set to appear at Cannock magistrates court, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged driving offence in Wombourne, Staffs, in April last year.
On Friday he faced Kidderminster magistrates accused of physical and emotional abuse of estranged wife Lisa Zbozen, 43.
Dad-of-three Blades, who played host to King Charles on The Repair Shop, was bailed to appear at Worcester crown court on October 11.
His future on the show, which he has presented for seven years, is hanging in the balance following the controlling charge.
A BBC insider said: “The Beeb won’t feature any new shows in which he appears until it is clear how legal proceedings conclude.”
Another source said: “No one had picked up on the driving charge. While it is not as serious as the coercive control case, Blades is still worried about it and is really under a cloud.”
Blades – raised by his mother on a council estate in Hackney, east London – shot to fame in 2017 when he started presenting The Repair Shop.
He was made an MBE in 2021 for services to craft, and hosted King Charles on the show the next years as the team restored a vase made for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and an 18th Century Clock.
Blades and fitness instructor Lisa married in in Barbados in November 2022 – exchanging vows in front of just 15 guests.
But Lisa announced she had walked out of their 18-month marriage on May 2, as police began an investigation.