Jay Blades, the former host of BBC‘s “The Repair Shop,” pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old broadcaster denied the charges while appearing in court via video link, according to BBC News. He has been granted bail while awaiting a September 2027 trial. Blades was originally charged on Aug. 5 by the West Mercia Police.
As BBC News reports, Judge Anthony Lowe said that he regretted the delay in the trial, but the court is unable to hold it earlier due to a backlog in criminal cases. A case management hearing, which Blades will be required to attend in person, has been set for May 15 of next year. He has been instructed not to contact the complainant.
“The Repair Shop” launched in 2017 and sees members of the public bring in their treasured heirlooms to be fixed. The series made Blades a household name and even featured King Charles in an episode, as the royal came into the shop to fix a clock and vase.
Blades has also appeared on “Celebrity MasterChef,” “The Great Celebrity Bake Off” and “Strictly Come Dancing,” and fronted a BBC documentary, “Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51.” He was honored with an MBE in 2021.
The host, who stepped down from presenting “The Repair Shop” last year, is also awaiting trial on a separate charge for alleged controlling and coercive behavior toward his estranged wife. He pleaded not guilty to that charge at a hearing last October.
