TV presenter Jay Blades has pleaded not guilty to two charges of rape during a court appearance on Wednesday. The 55-year-old, best known for hosting the BBC's 'The Repair Shop', appeared via videolink at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
Dressed in a dark suit, blue tie, white shirt, and his signature glasses, Blades confirmed his identity and stated 'not guilty' twice. Judge Anthony Lowe adjourned the case for a trial scheduled for September 2027, apologising directly to Blades for the delay.
'I apologise. It's not a proper justice system where people are having to wait that length of time for their trial, but I'm afraid there's nothing I can do,' the judge said. Blades' barrister, Susan Meek, requested an earlier trial date, noting the presenter has been unable to work since last year. However, the judge refused, citing extensive court delays and a record backlog of cases.
The judge added that while he understood Blades' high profile, bringing the trial forward would only displace another case. Blades, of Claverley, Shropshire, was first charged in August and released on conditional bail. He stepped back from 'The Repair Shop' last year.
