Jay Blades: BBC star charged with controlling and coercive behaviour

Presenter denies allegations after being charged by police

The Repair Shop star Jay Blades has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, police have said.

Blades, who presents the BBC One show, was arrested in December in connection with an allegation of domestic abuse. He was released on bail.

The 52-year-old TV presenter and furniture restorer has now been charged with one count of controlling and coercive behaviour. He is due to appear at Northallerton Magistrates' Court in North Yorkshire on 22 February.

Controlling and coercive behaviour is a form of domestic abuse that involves a pattern of behaviour that is used to control and dominate someone. It can include things like isolating the victim from friends and family, monitoring their behaviour, and limiting their access to money.

Blades has denied the allegations against him. In a statement released through his lawyer, he said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of these charges and I deny them in the strongest possible terms. I have never abused or controlled anyone.

"I understand that these are serious allegations and I will fully cooperate with the police investigation. I am confident that I will be cleared of any wrongdoing."

The BBC said in a statement: "We were made aware of these allegations last year and Jay Blades was suspended from work. We are unable to comment further while the legal proceedings are ongoing."

Blades is best known for presenting The Repair Shop, a show in which a team of experts restore treasured family heirlooms. He is also a successful furniture restorer and has his own shop in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

The allegations against Blades come at a time when there is increasing awareness of domestic abuse. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of domestic abuse, and the government has introduced new laws to tackle the problem.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, there is help available. You can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit their website: https://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/