TV presenter Jay Blades has pleaded not responsible to 2 counts of rape.
The 55-year-old didn’t attend Shrewsbury Crown Courtroom on Wednesday morning, as a substitute showing through videolink.
The case was adjourned for trial in September 2027.
Blades’s defence counsel Susan Meek informed the courtroom the defendant had been unable to work for the reason that allegations have been made, including: “It is an extraordinarily long time for him not to be able to work.”
Choose Anthony Lowe expressed remorse on the “backlog” inflicting the delay. He stated he was unable to “bump” different circumstances out of the checklist to accommodate an earlier trial.
“That, I am afraid, is just the state of where we are with outstanding trials,” he stated.
A case administration listening to was additionally set for a similar courtroom on 15 Might subsequent 12 months, which Blades won’t be required to attend in particular person.
Blades, who lives in Shropshire, and is on conditional bail, discovered fame on the furnishings restoration programme The Restore Store, which he began presenting in 2017.
A furnishings restorer, he was the face of the favored BBC present that featured individuals having their treasured objects repaired and rejuvenated till he stepped again from presenting the programme final 12 months.
Blades was additionally the presenter of the BBC’s Cash For Nothing till 2020 and took half in Celeb MasterChef, Celeb Bake Off, and Comedian Aid.
The 14th collection of The Restore Store aired this 12 months with no lead presenter and the 2024 Christmas particular was hosted by Roman Kemp.
