The Repair Shop's Jay Blades quits royal role days after court appearance
The BBC star appeared in court after being charged with coercive behaviour.
Jay Blades, the beloved host of The Repair Shop, has stepped down from his ambassador role with one of the King's charities amidst allegations of coercive behaviour. The 54 year old BBC personality resigned from the educational charity, the King's Foundation, which confirmed in a statement: "Jay Blades has informed us of his resignation from the ambassador role."
Appointed as the building crafts ambassador for the charity, previously known as the Prince's Foundation during Charles's tenure as the Prince of Wales, Blades took on the role in July 2020. The foundation is renowned for its commitment to preserving traditional building craft skills through inspiring training programmes.
Blades, who was honoured with an MBE in 2021 and had the privilege of welcoming the King on a special episode of 'The Repair Shop' in 2022, expressed his gratitude at the time, saying: "I am honoured to be invited to be an ambassador for The Prince's Foundation.
HRH The Prince of Wales's vision of creating harmonious sustainable communities is a passion very close to my heart. Championing a sustainable approach to how we live our lives, build our homes and teach traditional arts and crafts are fundamental in all aspects of my philosophy."
However, the TV star found himself in court last Friday facing charges of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife Lisa.
Blades was pictured exiting Kidderminster magistrates' court dressed inconspicuously in a hoodie and puffer jacket.
The father of three has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Worcester crown court on October 11.
Blades and Lisa, who became his second wife, tied the knot in Barbados in November 2022.
On 2 May, Lisa announced that she had parted ways with the star after a year and a half of marriage.
Blades - a furniture restorer - is the face of the popular BBC show, which features people having treasured objects repaired and rejuvenated.
The Repair Shop first aired in 2017 and its 14th series is due later this year.
Blades' other TV work includes Britain's Best Beach Huts and David and Jay's Touring Tool Shed, alongside Sir David Jason.
The BBC said a repeat of the latter show had been dropped from Friday's schedule.
