The BBC appears to have hinted at the future of The Repair Shop after Jay Blades was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.
Last week, it was confirmed that Blades, 54, was facing a charge against his estranged wife, Lisa Marie Zbozen.
According to West Mercia Police, the TV presenter appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning, with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. He was bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, October 11.
The court documents showed that his alleged behaviour included physical and emotional abuse.
Blades also appeared in court on Tuesday on another charge of using a mobile phone while driving, which was dismissed.
In the wake of his court dealings, questions have arisen regarding the future of the beloved BBC TV programme The Repair Shop, which he has been a part of ever since it launched in 2017.
The BBC has now seemingly revealed the fate of the TV show, as well as whether or not the furniture restorer will be involved.
An insider reportedly told The Sun: ‘The Beeb won’t feature any new shows in which he appears until it is clear how legal proceedings conclude.’
The broadcaster also confirmed to Metro.co.uk that Blades is not currently filming the programme, and the firm is currently not going to be scheduling any programmes in which he is featured.
However, content that already features Blades will remain on BBC iPlayer.
The Repair Shop is also seemingly on the lookout for new people to take part in upcoming episodes.
On the BBC’s website, there’s an option for fans to apply to be on the programme, with the description stating: ‘If you have a treasured item that’s seen better days and you think our experts can help, please get in touch now!’
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to submit an application.
When you click on the link on the BBC’s website, you’re taken to the website for the production company Ricochet, which shares more details on the casting process for The Repair Shop.
‘Our award-winning series The Repair Shop is returning to BBC One. Our team of Britain’s most passionate and skilled craftspeople will rescue broken objects and restore them to their former glory,’ it outlines.
‘If you have a damaged heirloom, a prized antique, a loved one’s treasured possession or anything else that needs restoring, apply now by completing and submitting the following application form.
‘We receive a great many applications, so please do help yours stand out by giving as much detail as possible about the item and what it means to you. If you are able to include a short video as part of your application, that will also help your item get noticed.’
West Mercia Police’s investigation into Blades began earlier this year, after the police department was called on May 3, the police force outlined.
Earlier this year, Zbozen, 43, announced her separation from Blades in an emotional post shared on Instagram, 18 months after their wedding.
When the news of Blades’ charge was announced, a BBC spokesperson said in a statement to Metro.co.uk: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.’
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