Repair Shop Presenter Jay Blades Pleads Not Guilty to Two Rape Charges

Jay Blades, the 55-year-old TV presenter known for BBC's The Repair Shop and other shows like Celebrity Masterchef and Money For Nothing, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape at Shrewsbury Crown Court. The charges relate to incidents dated between November 2022 and April 2024, and Blades appeared via videolink to enter his plea. He has been on conditional bail and stepped back from presenting last year amid these legal issues, including previous charges of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife. The BBC has stated that no episodes featuring Blades will air until the legal proceedings conclude, though existing episodes remain available on iPlayer. The case has been adjourned with trial dates set for 2027, and a case management hearing scheduled for May 2026. Blades' future involvement with The Repair Shop, now entering its 14th season, remains uncertain pending the outcome of the trial.