BBC presenter Jay Blades, known for hosting the popular show “The Repair Shop,” has pleaded not guilty to charges of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his wife, Lisa-Marie Zbozen.
The 54-year-old Blades appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, where he entered his plea. The TV personality spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his plea.
The charge alleges that Blades engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour between January 1, 2023, and September 12, 2024. Prosecutors claim that his actions had a “serious effect” on Zbozen, causing her to fear violence on at least two occasions.
The case came to light after Zbozen announced the end of their relationship in a social media post.
During the hearing, Judge James Burbidge KC, the Recorder of Worcester, rejected an application for part of the proceedings to be heard in private. A short-form indictment was read to Blades before he entered his plea, with a more detailed version of the charge to be presented during the trial.
The judge removed a bail condition requiring Blades to wear an electronic tag, which had not been fitted due to issues with the responsible company. However, Blades remains subject to an exclusion zone.
A potential trial date has been set for May 6, 2025. The case has been adjourned until then, with Blades maintaining his innocence against the allegations.
The news has shocked fans of “The Repair Shop,” where Blades has been a familiar face since 2017. The BBC has not yet commented on the situation or how it might affect the show’s production.
