…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Renowned television personality Jay Blades, known for his appearance on “The Repair Shop,” takes on a new documentary series titled “Jay Blades’ East End Through Time” on Channel 5, airing on Tuesday, June 13.
In this captivating series, the 53-year-old host delves into the intriguing history of London’s East End.
Exploring the East End’s Rich Past Jay embarks on a journey through various historical periods, beginning at the Roman city wall, where the East End of London emerged as a haven for societal “outsiders” during the 1500s.
It became a place notorious for activities considered immoral or forbidden, including gambling and bear baiting.
Uncovering Dark Secrets Continuing his exploration, Jay visits St Dunstan’s Church in Stepney, where he unearths the haunting legacy of the Great Plague that ravaged the East End in 1665.
The devastating impact of the plague on the population, exacerbated by poor living conditions, lingers even today, as thousands of plague victims’ bodies remain interred in the church’s grounds.
Jay Blades’ Path to Fame Jay Blades grew up in East London, raised by his mother, a secretary, and his half-brother, in a large family that included 26 children fathered by his absent father across different countries.
Their lives were centered around a sheltered and communal existence on a council estate.
Despite his dyslexia, Jay established the charity Out of the Dark with his then-wife, aiming to teach young people furniture renovation and resale.
However, due to a lack of funding, both his marriage and the charity faced challenges, leading Jay to experience homelessness.
He sought support from friends and the Caribbean community during this difficult period.
Opportunity in Television During his struggle, Jay caught the attention of ITV producers, who saw a short film about his former charity.
This led to his foray into television presenting.
After appearing on Kirstie Allsopp’s craft series, he co-presented BBC’s “Money For Nothing” alongside Dom Littlewood.
In 2017, Jay became one of the beloved presenters on the BBC’s “The Repair Shop,” ultimately securing his own show, “Jay Blades’ Home Fix.”
His charismatic personality also made him a sought-after guest on shows like “Celebrity MasterChef,” “Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel,” and “Would I Lie To You?”
In recognition of his contributions to the craft field, Jay was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017.
Personal Life:
Meet Lisa Zbozen Jay Blades is happily married to fitness trainer Lisa Zbozen.
The couple exchanged vows in a romantic beachfront ceremony in Barbados on November 22, 2022.
Surrounded by 15 close family members and friends, Jay felt overwhelmed with emotion as he watched his bride walk down the aisle.
Net Worth:
Jay Blades’ Success Jay’s net worth is estimated to be £2,383,695.00 ($3 million).
His engaging presence can be witnessed in “Jay Blades’ East End Through Time” on Channel 5, airing on Tuesday, June 13, at 9pm.