BBC presenter Jay Blades appears in court and denies 'coercive behaviour' towards his wife

The 54-year-old, who fronts primetime show The Repair Shop, entered a not guilty plea at Worcester Crown Court to one charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lisa-Marie Zbozen

BBC presenter Jay Blades has denied engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife. The 54-year-old, who fronts primetime show The Repair Shop, entered a not guilty plea at Worcester Crown Court to one charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lisa-Marie Zbozen.

Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, appeared before the Recorder of Worcester, Judge James Burbidge KC today, Friday, October 11. Looking smart in a dark suit and tie, the star spoke only to confirm his identity to the court clerk and to enter his plea.

Blades was bailed and is expected to face trial on May 6 next year.

The charge alleges that controlling and coercive behaviour took place in an intimate or family relationship between January 1 2023 and September 12 this year. Ms Zbozen announced the pair had split in an Instagram post on May 2.

Their split came less than two years on from their Barbados wedding in November 2022.

The furniture restorer and television presenter, who was made MBE in 2021 for his services to craft, is a father to three children, a daughter and two sons, from his first marriage and previous relationships. In May 2022 it was announced that Blades would be appointed as the first chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University.

Last year, the university presented the craft expert with an honorary degree "for his significant contribution to furniture-making and crafts and community work". He resigned from the position last month.