Early Life and Background
Jay Blades, born Jason Blades on 21 February 1970 in Brent, London, grew up in Hackney, a working-class area in East London. Raised by his mother alongside his half-brother, Jay faced significant challenges during his childhood. His father was absent, and Jay later discovered that he had 25 other half-siblings from different mothers across various countries. Throughout his school years, Jay Blades struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia and encountered racism from both his peers and the police. Despite these difficulties, he persevered and worked various manual jobs, including as a laborer and factory worker, during his early adulthood.
Education and Early Career
At the age of 31, Jay Blades decided to return to education and enrolled at Buckinghamshire New University as a mature student, studying criminology. It was during this time that he was diagnosed with dyslexia, revealing that his reading ability was equivalent to that of an 11-year-old. Despite this challenge, Jay Blades continued his studies and remained determined to create positive change in his life and community.
In the early 2010s, Jay Blades became involved in running a children's playgroup called "Men Behaving Dadly," which aimed to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their young children. The group met at children’s centers in Bedfont and Chiswick, offering support and activities for families.
Career in Furniture Restoration and Television
Jay Blades passion for helping others extended beyond his work with children. Together with his wife Jade, he founded a charity called Out of the Dark, based in High Wycombe. The charity trained disadvantaged young people in furniture restoration, teaching them valuable skills while also promoting social inclusion. Unfortunately, the charity lost its funding, leading to the collapse of Jay Blades marriage and a period of homelessness. Despite these setbacks, Jay remained resilient, receiving support from friends and the Caribbean community.
Jay Blades work in furniture restoration eventually caught the attention of television producers. A short film about his charity led to opportunities for him to appear on television. Jay Blades quickly became a well-known figure, hosting popular shows such as "The Repair Shop", "Money for Nothing", and "Jay Blades' Home Fix". His engaging personality and dedication to craftsmanship made him a favorite among viewers.
In Wolverhampton, Jay Blades established Jay & Co, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and disengaged groups. His efforts in the community continued to grow, and in 2021, he became a trustee of The Black Fund, a charity founded by singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock. Jay Blades and Leigh-Anne had known each other for years, as she had been a member of a youth club and choir Jay had run when she was 14 years old.
Personal Life
Jay Blades has three children. His daughter is from his first marriage, and he has two sons from previous relationships. In November 2022, Jay Blades married his second wife, Lisa Zbozen, in a ceremony held in Barbados. However, the marriage ended in May 2024, with Lisa publicly stating that it had been abusive.
Jay Blades resides in Ironbridge, Shropshire, where he continues to focus on his various projects and television work. He has also made significant contributions to the field of craft, earning recognition for his efforts. In 2021, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Birthday Honours for his services to craft. Additionally, in May 2022, Jay Blades became the first Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, a role that allows him to further support education and the creative industries.
Books
Jay has authored several books, sharing his life experiences and insights. His memoir, "Making It: How Love, Kindness and Community Helped Me Repair My Life" (2021), offers a candid look at his journey and the importance of community and resilience. He followed this with "DIY with Jay: How to Repair and Refresh Your Home" (2022), a practical guide for homeowners. In 2023, Jay released "Life Lessons: Wisdom and Wit from Life's Ups and Downs", providing readers with thoughtful reflections on navigating life’s challenges.
FAQs
1. What is Jay Blades real name?
Jay Blades real name is Jason Blades.
2. How old is Jay Blades?
Jay Blades was born on 21 February 1970, making him 54 years old.
3. What is Jay Blades known for?
Jay Blades is a British furniture restorer and television presenter, best known for hosting "The Repair Shop", "Money for Nothing", and "Jay Blades' Home Fix".
4. What is Jay Blades nationality?
Jay Blades is British.
5. What is Jay Blades educational background?
Jay Blades studied criminology at Buckinghamshire New University as a mature student.
6. Who are Jay Blades parents and siblings?
Jay Blades was raised by his mother in Hackney, East London, alongside his half-brother. He later discovered that his father had 25 other children with different mothers.
7. Is Jay Blades married?
Jay Blades was married to Lisa Zbozen in November 2022, but they separated in May 2024. He was previously married to Jade, with whom he co-founded the charity Out of the Dark.
8. Does Jay Blades have children?
Yes, Jay Blades has three children: a daughter from his first marriage and two sons from previous relationships.
9. What health challenges has Jay Blades face?
Jay Blades has dyslexia, which was undiagnosed during his school years and only discovered when he was 31 years old.
10. What TV shows has Jay Blades appeared in?
Jay Blades has appeared in several TV shows, including "The Repair Shop", "Money for Nothing", and "Jay Blades' Home Fix".
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