Jay Blades, best known as the charismatic host of the BBC’s “The Repair Shop,”. Recently took to Mixcloud to spin like a late-night DJ. It gave fans a glimpse of a new Blades, who was known for upcycling treasured heirlooms. But this time ended up in the world of music.
A New Groove: Jay Blades as DJ
It was a typical gig for Jay Blades, who recently swapped his habitual workshop tools for DJ decks. Treating listeners to a set that struck a chords with many. On his Mixcloud profile he posts live DJ sessions every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM. In genres including New Soul, RnB, Reggae, Jazz, Dinner Jazz, Rare Grooves, Lovers Rock, House, and Afro-beets
Fan Reactions
Jay Blades’ musical endeavor was a delightful shock to fans. Several took to social media to pay tribute to his versatility and love for music. The comments said as much, marveling over his ability to switch from fixing antiques to spinning records, among other talents.
Legal Struggles and Professional Consequences
But Jay Blades’ entry into DJing comes at a time of considerable personal and professional difficulty. In September 2024, authorities charged him with controlling and coercive behavior toward his estranged wife, Lisa-Marie Zbozen. Meanwhile, Blades has pleaded not guilty and will face trial in May 2025.
These legal troubles have affected his career. Until the outcome of the court proceedings. The BBC has suspended airing new episodes of the U.K.’s “The Repair Shop” featuring Blades. Also, a live tour of the show canceled multiple dates due to disappointing ticket sales. Which it cited as resulting from the allegations against Blades.
A Resilient Spirit
Still, Blades is still connected with his listeners through music. His late-night DJ sets give fans a chance to catch more personal doses of him outside of his usual setting. They serve in uncertain times, a normalizing role.
