**BBC Presenter Jay Blades to Appear in Court on Two Charges of Rape**
Jay Blades, a familiar face to millions as the host of the popular BBC programme *The Repair Shop*, is facing serious legal allegations. West Mercia Police have confirmed that the 55-year-old presenter has been charged with two counts of rape. The well-known television personality is scheduled to present himself at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 13 August 2025, where he will answer to the charges laid against him.
Blades, whose full name is Jason Blades and who resides in the village of Claverley, Shropshire, became a household name following his role as the anchor of *The Repair Shop*. The show, which airs on the BBC, features members of the public bringing in cherished family heirlooms and broken mementoes to be restored by a group of skilled craftspeople, and has grown steadily in both popularity and critical acclaim over seven series.
Police provided a statement to various media outlets confirming the charges, but have declined to go into further detail as proceedings are now active. It remains unclear at this stage when the alleged offences are said to have occurred or further specifics regarding the case, in accordance with legal restrictions on reporting before trial.
Blades has also been in the headlines for his association with the Royal Family. Notably, his interaction with King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, during a special episode of *The Repair Shop* filmed at Dumfries House garnered widespread attention. The episode featured a candid dynamic between the pair, and Blades spoke afterwards about an unexpected friendship with the monarch, referring to their connection as a “bromance”. He was later invited to the King’s 75th birthday celebrations at Highgrove House.
In addition to his presenting work on *The Repair Shop*, Blades has fronted several other high-profile television programmes. He hosted the BBC’s *Money For Nothing* until 2020, and has made appearances on popular reality cooking shows such as *Celebrity Masterchef* and *The Great Celebrity Bake Off*, as well as contributing to Comic Relief. Channel 5 viewers may also remember him from documentaries examining the social history of regions including the West Midlands and the East End of London.
Recognised for his services to craft and charity, Blades was made an MBE in 2022. He also has ties to the royal charitable sector, having been involved with the The Prince’s Foundation – now The King’s Foundation – since 2020. He has praised the organisation publicly, commending its work in fostering sustainable communities and eco-friendly ways of living.
While the allegations are likely to prompt significant public and media interest, it is important to remember that Blades is entitled to the presumption of innocence as his case moves through the courts. Neither the BBC nor representatives of Jay Blades had released a public statement at the time this story was published, and no comment has yet been offered from his legal team regarding the charges.
As this case moves forward, there will be close scrutiny not only from viewers of Blades’ various television projects but also from the wider public and supporters of his charitable endeavours. Court proceedings are scheduled for next week, and further information may become available following this initial hearing.
For now, the story serves as a reminder of the legal principle that accusations are not proof of guilt. The public and media alike are urged to allow the judicial process to unfold and to respect the legal rights of all parties involved.