Jay Blades resigns as Chancellor of Bucks New Uni following coercion charge

BBC presenter Jay Blades has resigned as Chancellor of Buckinghamshire University with immediate effect.

The 54-year-old's been charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife.

In a statement posted on their website, Buckinghamshire New University said: "Jay Blades MBE has resigned from his role as Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University with immediate effect.

"We thank Jay for his loyal service to the University and will be making no further comment."

In March 2023, he became Buckinghamshire New University's first chancellor having studied for a degree in criminology and philosophy from 2001.

Blades appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Friday (13 September) after being charged by West Mercia Police with one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

According to court documents, the charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Lisa Zbozen, who announced on her Instagram page on May 2nd that their relationship was over.

West Mercia Police confirmed Blades was charged on Thursday (12 September) following the launch of an investigation after they were called to an address the day after Ms Zbozen's post, on May 3rd.

The couple married in the grounds of a beachfront villa in Barbados on November 22nd, 2022.

The presenter, who fronts primetime show The Repair Shop, will appear at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 11.

In a statement, West Mercia Police said: "54-year-old Jason Blades of Claverley in Wolverhampton has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

"He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court this morning (Friday September 13) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday October 11th."

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