The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades resurfaces 7 weeks after ‘pause’ following marriage breakdown-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Jay Blades commemorated the Windrush Generation on Instagram after a 7 week break from social media (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades has published his first Instagram post in seven weeks after taking a social media hiatus following his split from his wife.

The BBC star, 54, broke his silence to mark Windrush Day, which celebrates the Caribbean community and their contributions to British society.

Jay’s return to social media comes after it was confirmed he had parted ways from his fitness entrepreneur wife Lisa Marie Zbozen. The former couple were married for nearly two years.

On Instagram, alongside pictures of his great aunt and grandmother, who were part of the Windrush Generation, Jay wrote: ‘I’ve taken a pause from social media and I’ve decided to come back on this day.

‘Today is a celebration of the Windrush Generation as my Grandmother and my Great Aunt took that journey from Barbados to England.

‘I don’t know if they understood the impact that they would have, in helping to rebuild the nation after the Second World War.

‘I wanted to pay homage to all of the Windrush Generation, and say a very BIG thank you.’

Jay has taken a step back from the limelight since his divorce from his wife (Picture: Instagram)

Explaining the history of the Windrush Generation, he continued: ‘The Windrush Generation holds a significant place in the history of the United Kingdom. Arriving from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971, these individuals, including my grandmother, came to the UK to help rebuild the nation after World War II.

‘Their contributions were instrumental in shaping modern British society, bringing cultural diversity, enriching the workforce, and influencing various facets of daily life.

‘Despite facing challenges and discrimination, the resilience and determination of the Windrush Generation have left an indelible legacy.

‘They not only contributed to the economic growth of the UK but also brought vibrant cultural influences that have become integral to British identity.

Jay has also reportedly taken a break from The Repair Shop (Picture: BBC/Ricochet/Guy Levy)

Jay and his ex Lisa split after nearly 2 years of marriage (Picture: Instagram)

‘The courage and perseverance of my Grandmother and her peers are a testament to their enduring spirit and significant impact on the nation’s fabric and also to me.

‘From the Bottom Of My Heart, I Just Want To Say Thank You 🙏🏽❤️💛💚🖤.’

Last month, it was announced that Jay and his wife Lisa Zbozen had split after tying the knot in November 2022.

Lisa confirmed the split on social media, writing: ‘I don’t know how to say this because it’s still really raw.

‘I probably should be really angry but I’m just incredibly sad about the whole thing right now.

Jay has not yet publicly addressed his marriage breakdown (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock for NTA)

‘I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much.’

After their split and the death of Jay’s uncle, who was ‘murdered’, it was claimed Jay was taking a pause from The Repair Shop, as well as social media.

‘Jay has taken a step back and is having a break from filming The Repair Shop,’ a source told The Sun.

‘His uncle’s death in March and the breakdown of his marriage means he has decided to take some time out.’

The source claimed the BBC series is ‘carrying on without him for now and the other repairers are hard at work’.

The Repair Shop is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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