Jay Blades charged with controlling and coercive behaviour

Jay Blades appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court today.

The 54-year-old was born in Brent and raised in Hackney, and is best known for his presenting roles in The Repair Shop and the BBC's Money For Nothing. 

Court documents appear to confirm the charge relates to his estranged fitness instructor wife, Lisa Bozen, PA reports. 

The pair wed in Barbados on November 22, 2022. 

He is next due in court in October (Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire) Bozen announced their relationship was over on May 2 in a statement on her Instagram page. 

An investigation was launched the following day, after West Mercia Police were called to an address on May 3. 

In a statement, West Mercia Police said: “54-year-old Jason Blades of Claverley in Wolverhampton has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

“He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday September 13) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday October 11.”

The furniture restorer was made an MBE for services to his craft in 2022 and became Buckinghamshire New University's first chancellor in March 2023. 

In May 2023, he won a daytime Bafta TV award along with other members of The Repair Shop for a special featuring the former Prince of Wales (King Charles III).

The episode saw Blades and other restorers visit Charles at Dumfries House for a one-off special, 'The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit'.

Buckinghamshire New University has revealed that Blades has resigned from his role.

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In a statement they wrote: “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.”

Blades will appear at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 11. 

Reporting by PA