BBC star Jay Blades, who has been charged with two counts of rape, hosts bizarre late night TikTok lives, declares himself a ‘born again’ Christian and is raking in cash from fans.
Despite serious allegations against the TV presenter, who was charged with two counts of rape on Monday, the Repair Shop star seems unfazed as he turns to social media to earn money and help improve his public image.
The Mail can reveal that Blades, 54, who is currently on a break from television following the disturbing allegations, has taken to hosting late-night livestreams from his bedroom – dancing to gospel and soul music, preaching about his newfound faith, and interacting with a growing online fanbase.
During these TikTok sessions – some running well into the early hours – Blades is seen smiling, singing, and declaring himself a ‘born again Christian’, praising the ‘greatness of God’ to hundreds of viewers at a time.
Fans, many of whom appear unaware of the serious charges he’s facing, have been sending him virtual gifts during the livestreams – which convert into real money.
The embattled TV star is reportedly earning income from the platform as he continues to build an enthusiastic following online.
The Repair Shop ‘s Jay Blades (pictured here arriving for a hearing at Worcester Crown Court in October 2024) has been charged with two counts of rape
The BBC star now hosts bizarre late night TikTok lives, declares himself a ‘born again’ Christian and is raking in cash from fans
BBC show The Repair Shop, which started on daytime TV in 2017 before moving to a primetime slot, saw Blades become one of the best-known faces on British TV
Blades currently has 15,000 followers on TikTok and posts regularly about his ‘weekend sessions’.
He has also gained 584 followers on Twitch, where he broadcasts his session.
He is also ‘earning’ 389 bits – which on Twitch are a virtual good that viewers can purchase and use to ‘Cheer’ in a streamer’s chat.
Streamers earn revenue based on the number of Bits used in their chat.
Jay’s goal on his profile says his ‘goal’ is to earn 1,000 bits.
The most recent video advertising his next ‘service’ reads: ‘Sunday is for soul care.
‘For grace, elegance, and moments that feel like velvet. Today, I invite you into a space of refined peace and timeless beauty. Music that calms the chaos, elevates the spirit, and reminds you of who you are beneath the rush.
‘This is Sophisticated Sunday—where every song is chosen with intention, every sound is smooth as silk, and your presence is all that’s needed.
Blades currently has 15,000 followers on TikTok and posts regularly about his ‘weekend sessions’. He has also gained 584 followers on Twitch, where he broadcasts his session. He is also ‘earning’ 389 bits – which on Twitch are a virtual good that viewers can purchase and use to ‘Cheer’ in a streamer’s chat. Streamers earn revenue based on the number of Bits used in their chat
Blades is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of coercive control of his estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen (pictured). He has pled not guilty to the charge
BBC presenter Jay Blades arrives at Worcester Crown Court in October last year
‘Unwind. Reflect. Feel deeply. Let the music move you.’
According to his profile, his next online session will be taking place this weekend, late into the evening on Friday.
Police said in a statement on Monday night that the 55-year-old father-of-three would appear at magistrates’ court next Wednesday.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: ‘Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.
‘He is due to appear at Telford magistrates’ court on 13 August 2025.’
Blades is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of coercive control of his estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen.
He denied the allegation when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court last October.
The star was charged last September with a single count of ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’ between January 1 2023 and September 12 2024.
Police said in a statement on Monday night that the 55-year-old father-of-three would appear at magistrates’ court next Wednesday. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: ‘Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape. ‘He is due to appear at Telford magistrates’ court on 13 August 2025′.
Jay Blades depicted in a court sketch while appearing at Worcester Crown Court last year
The single charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Ms Zbozen, who announced on Instagram on May 2 last year that she had walked out of the marriage.
The BBC show, which started on daytime TV in 2017 before moving to a primetime slot, saw Blades become one of the best-known faces on British TV. He was honoured with an MBE in 2021.
He has been at the helm of the show for seven years, but was dropped from last year’s live tour.
Roman Kemp replaced Blades as host for last year’s Christmas special of The Repair Shop.
In 2022, a special one-off episode to mark the BBC’s centenary saw Blades and the repair team visit the King, when he was still the Prince of Wales, at Dumfries House in Scotland.
Blades was made an MBE by Charles in May 2022 for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK.
