Jay Blades ‘taking step back’ from The Repair Shop after uncle's death and marriage breakdown
Jay Blades is said to be “taking a step back” from The Repair Shop following the death of his uncle and news of his marriage breakdown.
Blades recently revealed his uncle Richard Brathwaite had been killed and announced that he would be taking break from social media.
Just days later, the furniture restorer, who is the face of the BBC series, made headlines when his wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen announced that their marriage was over after 18 months.
In her Instagram post, the fitness influencer said that she felt “incredibly sad about the whole thing”.
Adding: “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much. I will admit I’m crying as I type this as I can’t believe this is even real.
“I hope you don’t mind if I just have a few days trying to figure out my life as I’m currently in a spare room with a few essentials. I don’t know what else to say.”
It’s now been reported that while The Repair Shop is continuing to film, Blades is “having a break” from the production amid his personal issues.
According to The Sun, the host has not been a part of episodes filmed this week, with a source saying: “Jay has taken a step back and is having a break from filming The Repair Shop.
“His uncle’s death in March and the breakdown of his marriage means he has decided to take some time out.”
Addressing his separation from his wife, the insider added: “People who worked with Jay said they were shocked to hear that his marriage to Lisa had ended. It was not well known at all among the people who work on the show.”
The source also claimed that the BBC series is “carrying on without him for now and the other repairers are hard at work”.
Blades has been on The Repair Shop ever since it launched in 2017.
The BAFTA winning series sees craftspeople from around the country restore family heirlooms that have sentimental value.
The Standard has contacted The Repair Shop and Jay Blade’s reps for comment.
