Jay Blades, the television presenter best known for hosting the BBC programme The Repair Shop, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
The 55-year-old, who appeared via video link and was identified in court by his full name, Jason Blades, entered not guilty pleas to both charges. He was granted bail and told he must not contact the complainant. A trial was listed for September 2027.
Judge Anthony Lowe acknowledged lengthy delays in bringing the case to trial and said he regretted them, but said the court could not move the trial to an earlier date because of a backlog of criminal cases. "It's not a proper justice system where people are having to wait that length of time for their trial," he said. A case management hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court was set for May 15 next year; Blades will not be required to attend that hearing in person.
Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, was not required to give evidence at the initial hearing. The judge imposed reporting restrictions preventing publication of the identity of the complainant. No further details of the allegations were heard at the hearing.
The presenter received an MBE in 2021 for services to diversity and charity and was a prominent figure on the BBC series The Repair Shop, which pairs craftspeople with owners of treasured items needing restoration. He stepped back from presenting the programme last year.
The listing of a trial date more than two years after initial proceedings reflects broader delays in England and Wales' criminal courts, where backlogs have extended waiting times for many cases. Court officials routinely schedule case management hearings to monitor progress and set timetables for disclosure, witness statements and other pretrial requirements.
Blades enters a trial phase in which the prosecution must present evidence supporting the charges and the defence will have the opportunity to respond in court. No date was set at the hearing for when pretrial matters must be completed beyond the May case management hearing and the September 2027 trial slot.
Representatives for the BBC and for Blades did not provide additional comment at the hearing. The court hearing record states that Blades was released on bail subject to the condition that he have no contact with the complainant and to other standard bail conditions.
The proceedings are part of the criminal justice process and the charges remain allegations until, and unless, proven in court. Further hearings and any trial are expected to take place at Shrewsbury Crown Court as scheduled by the court.