The Restore Store star Jay Blades has been charged with two counts of rape. Police confirmed the allegations in opposition to the 55-year-old dad of three from Shropshire. West Mercia Police confirmed expenses in opposition to the dad of three, with a magistrates’ court docket date set for subsequent Wednesday. A spokesperson stated: “Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.
They added: “He is because of seem at Telford magistrates’ court docket on 13 August 2025.” The costs are separate from an ongoing case wherein Blades has pleaded not responsible to controlling and coercive behaviour allegations made by his estranged spouse, Lisa‑Marie Zbozen. Blades fronted The Restore Store for seven years earlier than stepping again in 2024. King Charles appeared alongside him on a particular episode in 2022.
Blades, who obtained an MBE in 2022 for his companies to craft and tv, resigned as chancellor of Buckinghamshire New College following the preliminary allegations and the tragic demise of his uncle.
He has beforehand denied the coercive behaviour cost associated to alleged conduct between January 2023 and September 2024, and appeared at Worcester Crown Court docket in October for a pre-trial evaluate.
That trial is now scheduled for August 2025. Along with presenting The Restore Store, Blades has hosted BBC programmes together with Cash For Nothing and Jay Blades’ Residence Repair. He additionally appeared as a contestant on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas particular and fronted a particular BBC documentary, Jay Blades: Studying to Learn at 51.
His Restore Store co-star, horologist Steve Fletcher, revealed in March that he had visited Blades whereas on a break from the reside tour.
Steve shared {a photograph} of himself with Blades on Instagram with the caption: “In a break from our ‘Secrets and techniques From the Barn’ Tour, I popped in to see Jay the opposite day for a cup of tea and a stunning chat. It was nice to catch up. Hope to see him once more quickly.”
The BBC later changed Blades with Roman Kemp for the Christmas particular of the favored collection. It was stated that the star had additionally signed up for a brand new ITV present, Shark! Movie star Infested Waters earlier than his arrest.
Nevertheless, the present was reportedly thrown into chaos after allegations emerged, with bosses taking swift motion to take away Blades.
