Jay Blades Charged with Two Counts of Rape Amid Ongoing Legal Proceedings

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Television presenter Jay Blades has been formally charged with two counts of rape, according to West Mercia Police. The 55-year-old, best known for hosting the BBC programme The Repair Shop, is scheduled to appear at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 13 August 2025. This latest development comes as he continues to face an existing charge of coercive and controlling behaviour relating to his estranged wife, Lisa-Marie Zbozen.

Blades, who was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to craft, has been a prominent figure in British daytime television. His current legal challenges have prompted a step back from public engagements and media roles.

In a statement released to The Sun, a West Mercia Police spokesperson confirmed: “Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape. He is due to appear at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 13 August 2025.”

The new charges follow Blades’ earlier arrest in May 2024 and subsequent charge in September 2024 for allegedly exerting coercive control over Ms Zbozen. According to court filings, the alleged behaviour spanned from January 2022 to September 2023, during which Ms Zbozen was reportedly made to feel fearful that violence would be used against her on more than one occasion. Blades pleaded not guilty to those allegations during a hearing in October 2024 and is awaiting a pre-trial review.

Ms Zbozen, a professional fitness instructor, had publicly announced the end of their relationship via Instagram in May 2024. The couple’s separation and ensuing legal matters have since received considerable media attention.

Blades’ decision to step away from The Repair Shop comes after a seven-year tenure that helped revitalise traditional craftwork for mainstream audiences. In addition to his resignation from the BBC series, he also stepped down from his ambassadorial role with The King’s Foundation, an educational charity previously known as The Prince’s Foundation. He had previously appeared in the special The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit, which featured His Majesty the King during his time as Prince of Wales.

The BBC programme earned several accolades during Blades’ tenure, including a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for daytime programming and recognition at the National Television Awards.

Beyond The Repair Shop, Blades’ television career has included roles on Money For Nothing, Celebrity MasterChef, Celebrity Bake Off, and Comic Relief. He has also fronted documentaries exploring regional British history for Channel 5.

Blades, who studied criminology and philosophy at Buckinghamshire New University, was appointed the institution’s first chancellor in 2023. However, he stepped down from the position the following year. A university spokesperson stated at the time: “Jay Blades MBE has resigned from his role as chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University with immediate effect. We thank Jay for his loyal service to the university, and will be making no further comment.”

As legal proceedings continue, Blades remains out of the public eye. All charges are currently being contested, and no verdict has been reached. Following legal principles, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.