BBC star Jay Blades looks downcast as he arrives in court for driving offence-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

Jay Blades is in court today faced with a driving charge (Picture Joe Giddens/PA Wire): PA[/caption]

Jay Blades has arrived at Cannock Magistrates’ Court charged with using his mobile phone while driving.

The alleged incident took place in April 2023 in Wombourne, Staffs. Blades, 54, has pleaded not guilty. 

The Repair Shop host was pictured walking into court today with his head down, wearing a black hat, thick-rimmed glasses, a black suit and a polka-dot tie.

The news of this case comes after he appeared in court on charges of coercive and controlling behaviour against his estranged wife, Lisa Marie Zbozen just last week.

On Friday September 13, Blades appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

Blades was bailed and is now set to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, October 11, to address the allegations of physical and emotional abuse.

The Repair Shop presenter appeared in court last week for a different charge (Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Speaking to The Sun, a BBC source said: ‘The Beeb won’t feature any new shows in which he appears until it is clear how legal ­proceedings conclude.’ 

‘No one had picked up on the driving charge. While it is not as serious as the coercive control case, Blades is still worried about it and is really under a cloud.’

The furniture restorer was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 2021 Birthday Honours for his services to craft.

Blades resigned from the King’s Foundation after working as an ambassador with King Charles, as the pair visited its Dumfries House location in Ayrshire for BBC special The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit.

The resignation came after allegations were made by Zbozen, 43, after their separation, with West Mercia Police launching an investigation on May 3.

Zbozen announced her separation from Blades in an emotional Instagram post earlier this year only 18 months after they wed.

Blades and Zbozen married at a beachfront villa in Barbados on November 22, 2022 and the ceremony was described as ‘perfect’ by the TV personality.

Blades resigned from the King’s Foundation as allegations of coercive control emerged (Picture: PA)

‘We had our closest family there, the weather held out and everything worked out so well,’ Blades told Hello magazine at the time.

‘Once you get to a certain age, you realise what’s actually important on the day – and that is having the people around you that love you for who you are. So we made the day our day,’ Lisa added.

Blades was previously married but split from his first wife Jade in 2015. The former couple share a 17-year-old daughter.

A BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.’

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