Jay Blades looks sombre arriving in court after ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’ charge

Jay Blades looked sombre as he arrived in court on charges of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife.

The 54-year-old presenter, who fronts primetime BBC show The Repair Shop, is appearing in Worcester Crown Court for what is expected to be a plea hearing on Friday afternoon.

The court documents showed that his alleged behaviour included physical and emotional abuse.

West Mercia Police’s investigation into Blades began earlier this year, after the police department was called on May 3, the police force outlined.

Zbozen, a fitness instructor, announced that the pair’s relationship was over in an emotional Instagram post the previous day, 18 months after their wedding.

He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on September 13 in relation to the same charge and was bailed until his next court appearance.

Four days later, he had a separate charge of using his mobile phone behind the wheel of his Land Rover dismissed at Walsall Magistrates’ Court.

Amid his court dealings, the future of BBC TV programme The Repair Shop, which he has been a part of ever since it launched in 2017, has been called into question.

Last month, the BBC 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 confirmed to Metro.co.uk that he is not currently filming the programme, and the firm is currently not going to be scheduling any programmes in which he is featured- but content that already features Blades will remain on BBC iPlayer.

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.’