The Repair Shop fans are left wondering about the man behind the beloved BBC show (Image: Getty)
Amid the criminal case currently facing Jay Blades, fans of The Repair Shop are left wondering about the man behind the beloved BBC show.
Known for his easy-going charm and warm presence on TV, Jay is now embroiled in allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, Lisa Zbozen.
While the allegations unfold, let’s take a closer look at Jay’s journey from his early struggles growing up in Hackney to his rise as a national treasure, including his work with disadvantaged youth and his personal battles, such as overcoming dyslexia.
Blades has been an advocate for traditional crafts, earning an MBE for his charity efforts and restoration work, and has inspired many through his success story.
From his role as a TV personality to his family life and recent legal issues, we delve into the life of Jay Blades, a man now facing a huge fall from grace.
Read More The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades quits role days after court appearance [LATEST]
Jay rose to fame on The Repair Shop (Image: BBC Pictures)
Jay Blades recently appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court, charged with controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, Lisa Zbozen.
The father-of-three was arrested on May 3, the same day that Lisa announced the end of their 18-month marriage.
He faces allegations of physical and emotional abuse between January 2023 and September 2024.
Blades, who is also facing a separate charge for allegedly using his mobile phone while driving, will appear at Worcester Crown Court on October 11.
Amid the turmoil, Blades resigned from his ambassador role with The Prince’s Foundation, a move confirmed by the charity: “Jay Blades has informed us of his resignation from the ambassador role.”
He appeared almost unrecognisable when he appeared in court on Friday, dressed in a long pink puffer jacket, hoodie, and jogging bottoms.
A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police confirmed: “54-year-old Jason Blades of Claverley in Wolverhampton has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.”
After the charges became public, Lisa broke her silence on social media, sharing a news article detailing the allegations against Jay.
Jay has been accused by his wife, Lisa Zbozen (Image: Getty Images Europe )
Early Life
Jay Blades’ journey to stardom was far from easy. Growing up on a council estate in Hackney, London, Blades faced a tough childhood marked by poverty and the absence of his father, Trevor, who he didn’t meet until he was 21.
Speaking to Entertainment Daily about his family, he revealed: “I only know about seven of them. I haven’t met all 25 and the man who contributed towards my birth he’s been out there populating England and basically I don’t know all of them.”
After leaving school at the age of 15, Blades found himself homeless by the age of 20, living on the streets and in hostels with just a carrier bag of belongings.
His fortunes changed when he received a flat on the Peabody Estate, which gave him the fresh start he needed.
It was during this time that he began doing voluntary work, which eventually led to his career in furniture restoration. He later set up a charity called High Wycombe Out of the Dark, helping disadvantaged youth learn the skill of furniture restoration.
Despite numerous personal challenges, including a battle with depression following the end of his first marriage, Blades didn’t give up. His big break came when a BBC producer saw a short film about his charity work, which led to The Repair Shop airing its first episode in 2017.
Reflecting on the unexpected success of the show, Blades said: “I never expected the programme to be such a huge hit.”
Jay revealed that he ended up homeless when he moved to London (Image: Channel 5)
Dyslexia Diagnosis
Jay Blades’ school years were a constant struggle due to undiagnosed dyslexia.
It wasn’t until he went to university at the age of 31 that he was finally diagnosed, learning that his reading ability was that of an 11-year-old.
Despite this late diagnosis, Blades was determined to overcome his challenges.
He made it his goal to be able to read and in 2021, his journey was documented by the BBC in Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51.
During the show, Blades opened up about how emotional the process was for him. He revealed to The Sun: “I was reduced to tears when I was able to read a letter from my daughter which she sent me from Turkey.”
Blades has been praised for his work becoming a role model for those struggling with learning difficulties.
Blades resigned from his ambassador role with The Prince’s Foundation (Image: Getty)
MBE and Honorary Doctorate
Despite his humble beginnings and numerous personal struggles, Jay Blades’ work in restoration and charity has not gone unnoticed.
In 2021, he was awarded an MBE for his services to craft and restoration in the UK. On receiving the honour, Blades said: “I am honoured to be invited to be an ambassador for The Prince’s Foundation. HRH The Prince of Wales’s vision of creating harmonious sustainable communities is a passion very close to my heart.”
In addition to the MBE, Blades received an honorary doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University, where he was also named the first chancellor.
His work in both the public and charitable sectors has earned him recognition not only as a TV personality but also as a national advocate for traditional crafts. Blades’ work with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, a charity that helps fund the study of traditional crafts, highlights his ongoing dedication to giving back to society.
He has used his platform to continue his efforts to teach disadvantaged youth valuable skills
Jay told how he was brought up in impoverished conditions with mum Barbara (Image: Channel 5)
Family Life
Jay Blades had a humble upbringing, growing up on a council estate in London with his single mother, Barbara, and his half-brother, Justin.
His father, Trevor, was absent throughout his childhood, and it wasn’t until Jay was 21 years old that he finally met him. When Jay reconnected with his father, he was taken aback by the size of his extended family, learning that he had 26 brothers and sisters.
In an interview with Entertainment Daily, Jay shared: “I only know about seven of them. I haven’t met all 25 and the man who contributed towards my birth he’s been out there populating England and basically I don’t know all of them. I only know seven, I never grew up with them.”
Reflecting on his first meeting with his father, Jay told The Mail on Sunday: “He told me I had four other siblings but I then found out that wasn’t true at all. I have 25 in total, including six in America, two in Africa and three in Jamaica.”
As for his own family, Jay is a proud father to his 17-year-old daughter, Zola, whom he shares with his ex-wife Jade. He also has two sons, Levi, 32, and Dior, 28, from previous relationships.
Jay married his now estranged wife Lisa Zbozen in a romantic beachfront ceremony in Barbados on November 22, 2022.
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Publish date : 2024-09-16 19:00:00
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