The Repair Shop fans ask ‘where is he?’ as Jay Blades vanishes from hit BBC show
VIEWERS of The Repair Shop were left scratching their heads after the latest episode of the show as host Jay Blades appeared to ‘go missing’.
In this weeks episode of the hit BBC show, the TV host was nowhere to be seen after the broadcaster dropped him following him being charged with coercive and controlling behaviour towards his estranged wife, Lisa Zbozen.
It was recently revealed that the BBC had severed ties with the star and the ramifications already seem to be taking place with Jay having failed to be seen or mentioned in last night’s episode.
It is unclear if the BBC edited him out or if filming took place without Jay present.
Quickly picking up on his disappearance, one fan said online: “How have they made episodes without Jay Blades already? Or has he been edited out?”
Another added: “What’s happened to Jay Blades on #TheRepairShop?”
Before someone else quipped there was “no sign” of him again before speculation mounted that he could have been “airbrushed” out.
Despite his absence, it seemed that some fans were quite happy to see the back of Jay as one wrote: “The new #TheRepairShop with Jay cut out is actually better.
“Because we get more Will and Dom! What’s not to like? @BBC. Much better now!”
As well as having seemingly been scrubbed from the main BBC show, earlier this month it was revealed that bosses had also ditched him from the upcoming theatre tour.
He will no longer appear in the tour titled Secrets from the Barn and has been ditched from all promo material.
Jay’s career is in limbo following the allegations concerning his estranged wife Lisa Zbozen, 43.
The BBC looks set to axe the Christmas special of The Repair Shop.
Channel 5 has shelved documentary series A Country House Through Time.
And Channel 4 has said there will be no sequel to The Odd Couple, Blades’ travel show with Dame Judi Dench.
His career crumbled after he was accused of causing 43-year-old Lisa Zbozen to fear “violence” would be used against her on at least two occasions but has pleaded not guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour.
Blades, 54, appeared at Worcester Crown Court charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his wife.
The presenter, who wore a smart suit and his trademark flat cap, entered a not guilty plea.
The Repair Shop experts
The Repair Shop premiered in 2017 and sees family heirlooms restored for their owners by numerous experts with a broad range of specialisms. Jay Blades acts as the foreman, with a talented team at work in the restoration process. Let's take a look at some of them.
- Jay Blades: Foreman of The Repair Shop and Furniture Restorer
- Will Kirk: Carpenter, Cabinet Maker and Wood Painter
- Steve Fletcher: Clock Restorer
- Suzie Fletcher: Saddle Maker and Leather Worker
- Dominic Chinea: Metal Worker and Signs Restorer
- Sonnaz Nooranvary: Upholstery Restorer
- Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell: Soft-toy Restorers
- Kirsten Ramsay: Ceramics Conservator
- Lucia Scalisi: Painting Conservator
- Brenton West: Antique Photography Specialist and Silversmith
He was bailed ahead of a provisional trial on May 6 next year.
If convicted he could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
A charge sheet states he allegedly “engaged in behaviour towards Lisa Marie Zbozen that was controlling or coercive which had a serious effect on her, namely that it caused [her] to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against her, at a time when he knew or ought to have known that the behaviour will have a serious effect.”.
The offences took place between January 1, 2023, and September 12, 2024, it is alleged.
Blades was arrested on May 3 – the same day wife Lisa publicly announced her decision to end their 18-month marriage.