UK
Jay Blades: Repair Shop presenter quits King’s Foundation after controlling behaviour charge
Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades has resigned from the King’s Foundation after being charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife.
The 54-year-old had previously won a daytime BAFTA TV award for a special of the programme that had featured the King (who was then the Prince of Wales).
He had supported the King’s Foundation – formerly the Prince’s Foundation – as an ambassador and visited its Dumfries House location in Ayrshire for the BBC special programme The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit.
But the education charity confirmed on Sunday that Blades had informed them of his resignation.
The King talking to Blades (left) during his 75th birthday party at Highgrove Gardens. Pic: PA
Blades – a furniture restorer who was made an MBE for services to craft in 2022 – is the face of the popular BBC show, which features people having treasured objects repaired and given a new lease of life.
The 14th series is due to air later this year.
On Friday, Blades appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court after being charged by West Mercia Police with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.
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The charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Lisa Zbozen, who announced on her Instagram page on 2 May their relationship was over, according to court documents.
Police launched an investigation after they were called to an address the day after Ms Zbozen’s post.
The couple have been married since 22 November 2022.
A repeat of another show fronted by Blades with actor David Jason, David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed, was dropped from the BBC schedule on Friday night after the court appearance.
The organisation will not schedule any programmes in which Blades features, it is understood.
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Blades has also resigned from his role as chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University.
He will appear at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 11 October.