Jay Blades: Last News

Jay Blades, star of The Repair Shop, was left illiterate after a traumatising youth involving poverty, rat-infested council flats and subsequent homelessness. However, despite a careers adviser telling him he would "never amount to anything", Jay succeeded on TV - and then a poignant moment of wanting to get close to his daughter inspired him to turn the tables on his past and learn reading."I’d decided that I wanted to read my daughter a bedtime story," he explained to Zoe Ball on her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show earlier this year."What better way to do it than document that journey that I’m taking?"Consequently he decided to star in a BBC show, Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51.He admitted that at first it was "unbelievably difficult" and that he'd had to start from the beginning, learning phonics.Jay had set himself the challenge of being able to read a story to his daughter Zola before her 16th birthday - and there was love and pride in his eyes when he finally managed to do it.He spent months learning via Zoom chats with a charity called Read Easy before eventually taking the plunge."Today’s the day, I finally feel ready to read my daughter a bedtime story," he announced to the world.He then connected to a Zoom chat with Zola, who currently lives in Turkey, and read to her from the children's book Olivia.Smiling and clapping, Zola exclaimed: "Well done, that was so good.

Jay Blades took to Instagram today to share an emotional update featuring his fiancee, Lisa.The Repair Shop star captioned the post: "THOUGHT OF THE DAY," in view of his 50,000 followers, as he urged his fans to tell their loved ones how much they mean to them.Alongside a snap of himself hugging Lisa, Jay wrote: "You might not have tomorrow to say, 'I Love You.' #sayit."The emotional plea sparked a string of supportive comments from followers, with many admiring his attitude.@jennid64 praised: " Proving yet again what a lovely man you are… Lisa is a lucky lady… but I’m sure you are too!"@sarah197050 echoed: "So true ,you never know what is around the corner I know only too well."If you love someone tell them while you are still here and while they are still here, don't wait." (sic)@Big_David_F chimed in: "Beautiful photograph Jay and Lisa, once again a fine example set by you both."We must show that love is far stronger than hate."Demonstrating that, at every opportunity, we must share the love with those closest to us, but also with the wider society."@lehj contributed their own experience of the loss of a loved one, commenting: "So true, I lost a friend unexpectedly yesterday - I wish I could tell her one last time how special she was."@richardaharper1 concurred: "I used to tell my (now late) girlfriend of seven years, everytime we met how much I loved her. Now I tell her in my thoughts and memories."There's never a wrong time to tell someone you love them!"@Veronicam1967 added: "Tomorrow is never promised Jay.

The TV show host said now he has no issues with discussing his mental health struggles publicly.He said: “I don’t have an issue with talking about my mental health.“It became a problem for me because I didn’t.“I grew up with a macho idea that you should hide your vulnerability.“Women get that, but they’ve moved on, emotionally, ten times faster than men.”Jay then went on to talk about the first time he ever showed this vulnerability.The star said the first step was “crying in front of another man”.He explained to Radio Times that he was “so broken” and the only thing he could do was “let out all the emotions”.For Jay, this was then followed by a year of therapy, he added.He said he was proud to be part of the plethora of BBC films which contain celebrities who speak openly about mental health struggles.Other popular public figures have also addressed the matter, including Joe Wicks, David Harewood and Rio Ferdinand.Jay explained it’s important as it gets people talking.The Repair Shop star said struggles such as death, suicide and cancer were subjects that everyone shied away from but were important to discuss.Jay was also asked if he felt as if he was in a happy place.He explained that he has embraced gratitude as a way of learning to be happy.Jay Blades’ BBC documentary, Learning To Read at 51, was released at the start of this year.It received many positive reactions from viewers as The Repair Shop presenter challenged himself to improve his literacy skills.It comes after Jay was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult.He left school with no qualifications other than having built up a reputation for being a great fighter, in his own words.The show tackled a range of topics, further diving into the research findings which

K.J. Yossman “The Repair Shop’s” Jay Blades has struck a first look deal with BBC Studios via his production company Hungry Jay Media.Hungry Jay is a joint venture between Blades and production company Hunrgy Bear (“Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel”), which was founded in November 2020 by Dan Baldwin and Juliet Denison Gay.The 1-year deal will mean BBC Studios has first dibs on Hungry Jay’s factual entertainment slate.

Radio Times.The BBC presenter revealed in December that he had popped the question to Lisa in a social media post.He shared a picture of the pair together and the engagement ring he designed for her.Taking to both Twitter and Instagram, Jay said he hoped his good news brought “the same happiness” to his followers.He wrote: "Good afternoon all. Lunchtime Treat."It gives me great pleasure to announce that I got engaged to @TheWKOUT."We wanted to share this news with you as we are very happy & hope to bring the same happiness your way.

Jay Blades was thrilled to find out he had been appointed the first chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University.The Repair Shop star promised some “big changes” would be coming during his time in charge.Jay, 52, took to Twitter this morning to update his 49,300 followers about his exciting new role. “GREAT NEWS FLASH,” he wrote in the caption accompanying a video clip. “This morning I became the first chancellor of my old university, @BucksNewUni, making some big changes future.” (sic)“What do you think?” he asked his fans.Jay attended Buckinghamshire New University as a mature student studying criminology and philosophy at the age of 30.Now, the furniture restorer will be its first chancellor - a role he accepted on the condition that the university reinstated its furniture and restoration course.He also asked to start a scholarship programme and will sponsor several students each year.Jay appeared ecstatic in the accompanying video as he gave his fans the full rundown. “I tell you what, today is a good day,” he began. “I said to some of you (a few of you) that on Friday I got some great, great, great news… And here it is.”“The great news is that I have become a chancellor - I know, a chancellor - of my old university in High Wycombe. At this point Jay nodded, adding: “I know, it’s a big look isn’t it?”“Normally being a chancellor is left for people like Lords and Ladies, but there’s me… Being a chancellor.“And I said to my university…” Jay said as he came to a realisation.

The Repair Shop star Jay Blades announced his engagement to fiancée Lisa-Marie Zhozen over the Christmas season last year, and he presented her with a ring made by one of his co-workers on his BBC show. It seemed the ultimate romantic gesture - and Jay's co-worker Richard played a helping hand in upgrading the relationship, which had raised Jay out of a deep depression.A delighted Jay had tagged his The Repair Shop co-worker Richard Talman in Instagram posts, flaunting the stunning ring he has given her."Ring designed by me & made by @rtf," he wrote alongside the image.Meanwhile, Richard shared in their joy by dedicating his own social media post to their union."It was a real honour to make this engagement ring for another one of my #repairshop family! Congratulations to Lisa @lisamariezbozen & Jay @jaybladesmbe on your engagement!," he exclaimed proudly.Jay was congratulated publicly by Leigh-Anne Pinnock, the Little Mix star he once mentored as part of his furniture business, and pal Louise Minchin.His relationship helped him enormously after a period of time during which he had hit "rock bottom".The 51-year-old had suffered a string of hardships throughout his life, from living on a rat-infested council estate in poverty after his father abandoned the family when he was a baby, to becoming homeless at 21 and having nothing more than a single carrier bag of possessions to his name.However, in spite of his success on The Repair Shop, Jay revealed he found himself "homeless" yet again as an older adult following the break-up of his previous marriage with ex-wife Jade."I was homeless.

Welcome to Metro. co. uk‘s The Big Questions, where we ask, well, the big questions (and the smaller ones too) and this week, we’re diving deep with Jay Blades. The Repair Shop legend, also the host of Jay’s Yorkshire Workshop and Jay’s Home Fix, we should add, has seen a lot in his 52 years – and hasn’t been shy in talking about it.

Jay Blades found himself homeless and helpless in London.The Repair Shop star hit rock bottom when the only possessions he owned all fitted into a small supermarket carrier bag.Now, of course, Jay is a household name for his expertise in furniture restoration, but he has had much darker days in the past, as he revealed for a new documentary series, There's No Place Like Home."I was all over the place, I had no direction," Jay admitted frankly of his life as a 21-year-old."I left London because I was getting into loads of fights and there were people after me."After fleeing a gang environment, he and his mum moved to Luton temporarily, during which time he fathered a child.However, after the relationship broke down, he returned to London and resorted to a terrifying life on the streets."I had a supermarket carrier bag with all of my stuff in there - and it wasn’t a lot," Jay clarified.He then spent a depressing spell in a hostel, which fuelled his feelings of hopelessness."I remember thinking, 'Is this what my life has come to, is this the end for me?'" the TV star lamented.He, along with three other men, were then thrown a lifeline - an offer of a stay in a Peabody flat, as part of a social housing scheme that began in the Victorian era.The scheme was named after American philanthropist George Peabody, who aimed to provide affordable housing options for those confined to slum-like conditions in the likes of inner city London.However, wallpaper and pets were banned, and there were strict rules and conditions attached to his tenancy.Though it was intended to be a morally uplifting place, Jay countered: "I always thought this was just a normal council estate.

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The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades, 52, opened up about how his busy schedule doesn’t leave a lot of time for personal relationships. Jay revealed in a new interview that the show can put a strain on relationships.

Jay Blades, 52, took to social media this morning to share an uplifting message about self belief with his 47,200 Twitter followers.The Repair Shop presenter spoke about turning his life around after he found himself “in a very dark place” several years ago. Jay shared his “TOTD” - which is an acronym for “tweet of the day” - about the power of possibility this morning. He wrote: “Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says ‘I'm possible!’ “Seven years ago on this day I was in a very dark place. “I am now feeling so much fitter mentally now and if I can come back from there, wow anything is possible. “Believe in the power of you,” he added with the hashtag #believeinyourself.Under the tweet, Jay posted a picture of himself in the mirror looking particularly dapper.The star could be seen wearing a smart, dark grey suit with a pocket handkerchief and his signature black glasses.Jay’s friends and fans flooded the comments section with positive messages and words of encouragement. His friend Grace wrote: “I remember this day vividly! Glad you’re here. Love you x.”Jools Kosterman O’Farrell commented: “Thank you for your thoughts of the day. “I look forward to them each morning.

The Repair Shop star Will Kirk has announced that he's expecting his first child with his wife Polly. The furniture restorer revealed the sweet news on his Instagram page, posting a photograph of him holding a mug that has the word 'PAPA' on it. "A new mug to add to my collection this summer," he wrote in his caption.

The Repair Shop star Will Kirk is set to become a dad as his wife Polly is pregnant with the couple's first child.The BBC regular made the exciting announcement on Instagram, sharing with his followers that they were "extending" the family.In a sweet post, he wrote: "A new mug to add to my collection this summer.

Red Nose Day, the telethon fundraising event which makes millions for the Comic Relief charity. This night of celebration raises money to help end child poverty in the UK and around the world. Read on to find out more about this year’s festivities, and the origins of the event.

Red Nose Day, the telethon fundraising event which makes millions for the Comic Relief charity. This night of celebration raises money to help end child poverty in the UK and around the world. Read on to find out more about this year’s festivities, and the origins of the event.

The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades, 52, was taken aback after meeting legendary actress Dame Judi Dench, 87. He took to Twitter to immortalise the moment with a snap after the pair worked together to raise funds for Comic Relief.Jay took to Twitter, where he has garnered 46,000 followers, to share a picture alongside his Comic Relief Night special guests.As well as with Dame Judi, Jay could be seen posing alongside comedians Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.In the snap, Jay and his guests appeared in good spirits as they either sported the Comic Relief red nose or head boppers.Jay captioned the snap: "Good morning all.

The Repair Shop star Jay Blades posted a poignant-looking photo of himself with his head bowed down. Before fans rushed to the rescue of the dejected-looking star, he assured them he wasn't sad - but just wanted to pay his respects to them and others who have supported him"THOUGHT OF THE DAY.

Jay Blades has taken to social media in memory of Jamal Edwards, sharing a poignant message in memory of the 31-year-old.MORE: Loose Women's Denise Welch and Saira Khan heartbroken for Brenda Edwards after son's tragic deathThe sad news of Jamal's untimely death was revealed on Sunday night. His mother, Loose Women star Brenda Edwards, is yet to comment and Jamal's cause of death has not been confirmed.WATCH: The Repair Shop leaves guest in tearsThe Repair Shop star Jay shared a close-up photo of Jamal smiling and holding up his MBE, which he received for his services to the music industry.

Jay Blades, who is best known for fronting The Repair Shop, recently announced his engagement to his partner Lisa-Marie Zbozen.The BBC favourite's engagement is his second following his marriage to ex-wife Jade, and the former couple share 15-year-old daughter Zola together, before splitting in 2015.The 51-year-old recently gave a glimpse into his home life with his other half in a candid documentary.Jay has previously revealed that he was unaware that he was dyslexic until the age of 31.The restorer had left school unable to read or write properly and has never read a novel or newspaper.Now, 20 years later he is finally learning to read with the help of the charity Read Easy and has made a BBC documentary that charted his progress – Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51 which aired last week.The on-screen star gave viewers a chance to see the challenges he has faced with his reading ability, as he praised his partner Lisa for her support.During the programme, Jay asked for his other half's assistance to help him spell the word "tree"."I never learned to read or write properly in school," he explained."And at 31, I was finally assessed as dyslexic."He added: "I've mainly got by from the help from those around me, people like Lisa."As he wrote out the letters, Lisa asked: "Why don't you try another word babe?"The TV star replied: "No, the tree is cool for me."Lisa also opened up about Jay on the programme and claimed that he portrays himself as confident but his reading ability is an insecurity for the presenter.Christine Lampard inundated with support amid husband Frank's move[LATEST]Pamela Anderson stuns in youthful throwback snaps at start of career[PICTURES]Dick Strawbridge responds to rumours he'll buy another

Jay Blades hopped onto his official Twitter account on Friday to thank his fans for their support behind his BBC documentary, Jay Blades Learning to Read at 51.The episode aired on Wednesday and received many positive reactions from viewers as The Repair Shop presenter challenged himself to improve his literacy skills.It comes after Jay was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child.He left school with no qualifications other than having built up a reputation for being a great fighter, in his own words.The show tackled a range of topics, further diving into the research findings which suggest that over a quarter of all children in England leave primary school unable to read at the expected level.The BBC documentary pointed out that more than eight million adults in the UK struggle with illiteracy, with half of all prisoners unable to read.Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty prone to cause problems with spelling, writing and reading.Taking to Twitter to thank his fans for their support in watching and leaving positive comments about the show on social media, Jay expressed his gratitude in a video."Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said."All of the comments that I've received with regards to the documentary has been unbelievable."I'll tell you what, I'm a little overwhelmed."You guys have been so kind."He continued: "I know the documentary has potentially touched 80 million people in this country who are affected by dyslexia or unable to read that well."The Londoner went on to shed light on his upcoming projects.Towards the end of the clip, Jay briefly explained how he hoped to find ways in which viewers can reach out and get the help they need.He didn't elaborate too much on the subject before stressing his