The host of BBC’s The Repair Shop Jay Blades has resigned from his role as chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University after being charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his wife.

Blades 54 appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, September 13, 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 in May that their relationship was over.

Blades, who rose to fame on the BBC series The Repair Shop, was appointed the role of chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University last year after studying at the High Wycombe campus in the early 2000s.

However, a spokesperson for the university confirmed today that he had resigned from the role “with immediate effect” after receiving the charge.

They said: “We thank Jay for his loyal service to the university and will be making no further comment.”

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 13th September) and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 11th October.”