Jay Blades, a 55-year-old TV presenter known for hosting The Repair Shop on the BBC, has entered a plea of not guilty to two charges of rape. During a court appearance via videolink at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Blades was informed that his trial is scheduled for September 2027, a delay of two years. His defense attorney, Susan Meek, highlighted the impact of the allegations on Blades, noting his inability to work since the accusations surfaced.
Addressing the prolonged timeline, Judge Anthony Lowe expressed regret over the backlog causing the extended wait for the trial. The judge acknowledged the challenges but stated his inability to prioritize this case over others in the judicial system. He emphasized the necessity for a jury decision and conveyed his apologies for the significant delay until the trial date.
Although the trial timing could potentially shift due to other cases, the judge conveyed to Blades that the likelihood of the trial occurring in September 2027 is high. Blades, who withdrew from his presenting duties last year, gained recognition through The Repair Shop and other TV programs such as Celebrity MasterChef and Comic Relief. He was granted conditional bail until the trial, with a case management hearing set for May 15 next year, which he is not obligated to attend. Blades resides in Claverley, Shropshire.