The Repair Shop star Jay Blades has denied engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife.
The 54-year-old, who fronts the primetime BBC series, entered a not guilty plea at Worcester Crown Court to one charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lisa-Marie Zbozen.
The charge against Blades alleges that his behaviour between January 1 2023 and September 12 this year had a ‘serious effect’ on his partner ‘namely that it caused her to fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her’.
Judge James Burbidge KC rejected an application for part of the proceedings to be heard in private.
Adjourning the case with a possible trial date of May 6 next year, the judge removed a bail condition that Blades should be subject to an electronic tag, which had not yet been fitted due to ‘failings’ by the company responsible.
Judge James Burbidge KC told Blades: ‘You have denied responsibility for the crime alleged against you and the prosecution propose to try you.
‘I remove the tagging of your exclusion zone but you are still subject to the exclusion zone.’
He also added: ‘You are aware of the allegations against you because you have a particularised indictment.
‘The jury will hear it and the public will then hear the allegations during the prosecution opening, with all those particulars then read out.’
Ms Zbozen, a fitness instructor, announced on Instagram on May 2 that the pair’s relationship was over.
Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, appeared before the Recorder of Worcester, Judge James Burbidge KC on Friday.
Wearing a dark suit and tie, the star spoke only to confirm his identity to the court clerk and to enter his plea. He left without comment.
Blades appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on September 13 in relation to the same charge and was bailed until his next court appearance.