Future of The Repair Shop & Jay Blades’ other shows revealed after host was charged with coercive behaviour towards wife
TV channels have shelved shows featuring presenter Jay Blades after he was charged with coercive behaviour towards his wife.
The Beeb have axed Blades from this year’s upcoming Christmas special of renovation show The Repair Shop.
The creators, Ricochet, are said to be considering a permanent replacement for him and are already eyeing up furniture restorer Will Kirk and craftsman Dominic Chinea from the series.
Channel 5 have also shelved a documentary series Blades was making called A Country House Through Time.
And Channel 4 have confirmed they will not be making a sequel to his recent travelogue with Dame Judi Dench, The Odd Couple.
A TV insider said: “Everything is up in the air following Blades getting charged, but TV chiefs didn’t want to be seen to act slowly.
“Until court proceedings have run their course, everything is getting put on hold, and alternative plans are being considered.
“But The Repair Shop is likely to continue as it’s hugely popular and the feeling is that the show is bigger than any individual.”
Blades, 54, who has presented The Repair Shop for seven years, also deleted all of his social media accounts following his court appearance.
On Saturday, we told how he attended court as the BBC decided it would not feature any new shows he appears in.
At Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court last Friday he faced a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife.
Lisa Zbozen had posted a message on Instagram on May 2 saying the couple’s 18-month marriage had ended.
West Mercia Police launched an investigation a day later.
Blades has been bailed and is due to appear at Worcester Crown Court on October 11.
His spokeswoman declined to comment.