Jay Blades‘ estranged wife shared cryptic messages on social media just hours before The Repair Shop host appeared in court accused of controlling and coercive behaviour.
The television presenter is alleged to have left Lisa-Marie Zbozen in fear of violence on at least two occasions while in an intimate or family relationship.
During a brief hearing at Worcester Crown Court he denied coercive control of his estranged wife over a 20-month period.
Just hours before he was set to appear, Ms Zbozen, 43, shared on her fitness company’s account a series of emotional posts themes around world mental health day, which took place yesterday.
One, a poem which she shared alongside two love hearts, started: ‘I know you’re sad, so I won’t tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day.’
Jay Blades is alleged to have left Lisa-Marie Zbozen in fear of violence on at least two occasions while in an intimate or family relationship. Pictured: Together in 2023
Just hours before he was set to appear, Ms Zbozen, 43, shared on her fitness company’s account a series of emotional posts themes around world mental health day, which took place yesterday
During a brief hearing at Worcester Crown Court he denied coercive control of his estranged wife over a 20-month period. Pictured: Arriving at Worcester Crown Court
A court sketch of Jay Blades as he pleaded not guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour
The single charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Ms Zbozen (pictured) who announced on Instagram on May 2 that she had walked out of the marriage
It continued to add ‘don’t give up on yourself’, and instilled in the reader that they will have ‘good days’ in the future.
A second post spoke about life feeling ‘hopeless and dark’, but went on to encourage that you’ have the strength to get through any inner battle’.
Posted originally by mindful quote account safespacemo, it read: ‘October 10th is world mental health day, and we want to remind you that everyday, not just today, your life matters.
‘Even when things feel hopeless ad dark, don’t give up. You’ve come this far for a reason.
‘You have the strength to get through any inner battle you’re facing, and remember, you’re not alone.
‘You have a purpose, and you are loved more than you realise, even when your brain tells you otherwise.’
Blades, who was listed to appear under his full name of Jason Blades, wore a dark suit and his trademark black cap and thick rimmed glasses as he arrived at court.
At the end of a 12-minute hearing, he was bailed to return to the court for a trial, possibly on May 6 next year.
Blades, who was listed to appear under his full name of Jason Blades, wore a dark suit and his trademark black cap and thick rimmed glasses as he arrived at court. Pictured: Arriving at court
At the end of a 12-minute hearing, Blades was bailed to return to the court for a trial, possibly on May 6 next year. Pictured: A court sketch of Blades
During the hearing, Judge James Burbidge KC refused a defence request to hear part of the hearing in private.
The Repair Shop star was charged last month with a single count of ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’ between January 1 2023 and September 12 2024. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
The single charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Ms Zbozen, who announced on Instagram on May 2 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.
No further details of the case were mentioned today. But the particulars of the charge stated that Blades ‘engaged in behaviour’ which is alleged to be ‘controlling or coercive which had a serious effect on her.
Namely that it caused Lisa Marie Zbozen to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against her, at a time when he knew, or ought to have known, that the behaviour will have a serious effect on Lisa Marie Zbozen’.
The judge removed a bail condition that Blades should be subject to an electronic tag, which hadn’t been fitted yet due to ‘failings’ by the company responsible.