Jay Blades' Repair Shop future revealed after shock marriage split and family tragedy
Jay Blades' future as The Repair Shop presenter has reportedly been revealed following a tough time in the star's personal life. The TV personality, 54, is understood to be taking some time away from his work after his public marriage breakdown and his uncle’s tragic murder.
Jay's uncle Richard Braithwaite was allegedly ‘stabbed to death in the street’ by a neighbour near his London home in March after a fight over a shared alleyway. Just days later the Repair Shop host's wife of 18 months, Lisa-Marie Zbozen, released a statement confirming their “marriage is over”.
She said: "I don’t know how to say this because it’s still really raw. I probably should be really angry but I’m just incredibly sad about the whole thing right now.”
A representative of Jay confirmed to The Mirror that he is taking a break from filming the BBC show. Production commenced for the latest series last week without the star, but a source says he is being "given the space" he needs.
"Jay will be given the time he needs to deal with things and sort out what he needs to get sorted," a source told Daily Mail.
"He's been through a really difficult time with his uncle and now he is having to deal with the breakdown of his marriage. The BBC fully expect Jay to return but they won't be rushing or pushing him to come back before he is ready and he'll be given the space to sort things out and get his head straight." OK! contacted BBC for comment.
There were also doubts cast over if the Repair Shop Christmas would go ahead. However, the source also claimed that filming for the episode is "almost wrapped up" and that "there's no chance it won't go out".
At the start of May, Jay shared the tragic news that his uncle had been "murdered a few weeks ago". He explained that he had been left in shock by the news, with his 71-year-old aunt Annetta also having suffered cuts to her head and face during the alleged incident. A man was charged with murder, wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Just days later his wife Lisa-Marie issued an emotional statement online revealing their marriage had come to an end.
The 44-year-old added: “The world got the best parts of my husband and over time, I got a whole lot of everything else. 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. All my love, a very broken Lisa-Marie x."
