Former The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades charged with two counts of rape

Jay Blades, best known for his work on The Repair Shop, has been charged with two counts of rape.

The TV presenter is due to appear in court next Wednesday, the West Mercia Police has confirmed.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.

"He is due to appear at Telford magistrates' court on 13th August 2025."

These allegations are separate to a charge against the presenter in 2024 in relation to controlling and coercive behaviour, which he denied.

He is currently awaiting trial on those allegations and will appear at Worcester Crown Court today (5th August) for a pre-trial review.

Blades shot to fame following the debut of The Repair Shop in 2017, a series in which members of the public bring broken or damaged family heirlooms to the team in hopes of them being brought back to life.

The series won a National Television Award in 2023.

Following its success, Blades went on to front the likes of Jay's Yorkshire Workshop and The West End Through Time, and in 2022 he led a documentary in which he learned how to read at the age of 51.

He has also taken part in the likes of Celebrity MasterChef, The Wheel and the 2021 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

He was honoured with an MBE in 2021 for his services to craft, and the following year, it was announced he would be appointed as the first chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University - a position he resigned from in September 2024.

"We thank Jay for his loyal service to the university and will be making no further comment," the university said at the time.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.