Sir David Jason, 84, addresses future of BBC show with Jay Blades amid Repair Shop star's coercive behaviour charges

WATCH HERE: Jay Blades discusses working with Sir David Jason on their new show back in January 2024

BBC
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 12/11/2024

- 00:01

Updated: 12/11/2024

- 08:37

Sir David Jason starred opposite Jay Blades on a crafts show earlier this year

Only Fools and Horse star Sir David James, 84, has spoken openly about a potential follow-up to show he shared with The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades.

Blades is currently awaiting trial on charges of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his estranged ex-wife, Lisa-Marie Zbozen.


Jason, who played Rodney Trotter on the iconic BBC sitcom, was last seen on screens co-presenting the 15-part BBC series Jay and David’s Touring Tool Shed with Blades.

Questions over the future of the series had been raised with Blades since the presenter has been embroiled in the legal case.

Addressing the question, Jason told Radio Times that there was not going to be a sequel to the hit series.

Regarding what he plans to do now, Jason grinned and declared: “I’m open to offers!”

Sir David Jason

Sir David Jason and Jay Blades fronted Touring Toolshed on the BBC

BBC

The 84-year-old is still eager to work but feels there aren’t the same opportunities for older actors.

“I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play. Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer” he explains.

Despite this, Jason is keen to not focus on his age and is not relishing his upcoming milestone birthday in February.

“Don’t remind me about it! I’m never a great one for celebrations like that,” he laughed. “I always find it a bit tiring, a bit embarrassing, a bit, ‘Just get on with it…’ And the older you get, the worse that becomes!”

Sir David Jason

Sir David Jason starred alongside Jay Blades in 15 episodes of their show

BBC

While Jason may be looking for more work opportunities, Blades has been removed from any upcoming plans for The Repair Shop. He's also been dropped from any future plans to return to Channel 4 alongside Judi Dench in their hit docuseries.

The charges made against Blades relate to events between January 1, 2023 and September 12, 2024.

The 54-year-old is said to have engaged in behaviour that caused Ms Zbozen "to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against her".

Blades appeared at Worcester Crown Court at a hearing in October where he entered a plea of not guilty.

The judge said to Blades: "You have denied responsibility for the crime alleged against you and the prosecution propose to try you.

"I remove the tagging of your exclusion zone but you are still subject to the exclusion zone."

Jay Blades

Jay Blades has denied the criminal charges against him

PA

The Repair Shop star is predicted to face trial on May 6, 2025.

Zbozen first announced her split from Blades in a lengthy Instagram post on May 2 this year.

Elsewhere in his interview with Radio Times, Jason also opened up about his relationship with former Only Fools co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst.

The duo played Trotter brothers Del Boy and Rodney in the classic British sitcom but in recent years, their bond had been plagued by rumours of rift - something Jason attempted to put right during the discussion with the publication.

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