TV PRESENTER Jay Blades appeared in court on a controlling or coercive behaviour charge today after it emerged he has been separately accused of two counts of rape.

West Mercia Police said the 55-year-old is due to appear at Telford Magistrates’ Court on August 13 on the rape charges.

Today, Mr Blades, who fronted the primetime BBC show The Repair Shop, appeared at Worcester Crown Court via video link for a preliminary hearing concerning the charge of controlling or coercive behaviour.

He previously denied engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen between January 1 2023, and September 12 last year.

The furniture restorer faces trial at a later date.

In a statement today, police also confirmed separate charges of rape.

The force said: “Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.”

Mr Blades also presented the BBC’s Money For Nothing until 2020, and appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Bake Off as well as Comic Relief.