The BBC has faced criticism for continuing to stream episodes of The Repair Shop featuring presenter Jay Blades, who has been charged with coercive control and two counts of rape. Blades, 55, was removed from the show after his estranged wife Lisa Zbozen accused him of controlling behaviour. He pleaded not guilty to engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour at Worcester Crown Court in October 2024, and last month was additionally charged with two counts of rape, for which he is due at Telford magistrates' court on 13 August.
Despite the charges, the BBC has kept episodes fronted by Blades available on iPlayer, a decision that has drawn comparisons with its handling of other presenters. Last year, Huw Edwards was cut from a Doctor Who episode after admitting accessing child abuse images, while Gregg Wallace and John Torode had footage removed from MasterChef following separate scandals. One viewer accused the corporation of hypocrisy on social media, asking: '@BBCOne so you sacked Gregg Wallace and co... and yet Jay Blades from The Repair Shop who's charged for 2 counts of rape, and his show still goes on air and he's hosting it, total hypocrite?'
While the corporation has not removed existing episodes, HELLO! understands it is not currently filming with Blades and will not broadcast any further episodes involving him. The presenter was arrested in May 2024 for coercive control, the same month his wife announced their separation on Instagram. He appeared in court via video link on 13 August, where he did not enter a plea to the new rape charges, and was granted conditional bail. His next court appearance is set for 10 September.
Blades had stepped back from presenting The Repair Shop after seven years following the initial charges, and also resigned as an ambassador for the King's Foundation. The arrest and subsequent charges have cast a shadow over the popular restoration show, with fans divided over the BBC's decision to retain his earlier episodes online.
