Jay Blades cancels public appearance as he 'continues to take time out' following marriage breakdown and family loss
Jay Blades cancelled another public appearance
BBC
Jay Blades cancelled another scheduled appearance today amid his social media hiatus following the death of his uncle and split from wife Liza Zbozen, explaining he was taking time off to "take stock and just relax".
The BBC star was due to speak to journalist Sarfraz Manzoor at the Hay Festival about his book Life Lessons: Wisdom And Wit From Life's Ups And Downs, in which he shares inspirational words for making the best of life.
A statement from his team shared: "We wanted to confirm that as Jay Blades continues to take time out, he won't be attending the session as advertised at this year's Hay Festival.
"We're sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment that this may have caused and we hope you enjoy the rest of the festival."
According to the Daily Mail, the festival confirmed that ticket holders will be refunded.
GB News has contacted Blades' representatives for a comment.
His absence comes after Blades and Zbozen announced the end of their marriage - tying the knot just a year and a half before they called it quits.
Jay Blades cancelled another public appearance BBC Zbozen walked out on Blades and revealed the reasons why in a lengthy Instagram post, telling her followers: "I have been quiet until now, but the papers seem to be picking up this story, but some parts have been definitely missed, so it's forced my hand...
"This was the whole post on a private forum: I don't know how to say this because it's still really raw. I probably should be really angry but I'm just incredibly sad about the whole thing right now. I don't think I've ever cried so much.
"I wanted my husband to love me & keep me safe, and I would love him right back, but it just got worse and worse, until I grabbed a bag of a few things & I just left. Anyway, That's why there's been no new wkouts [workouts].
"I will admit I'm crying as I type this as I can't believe this is even real. I hope you don't mind if I just have a few days trying to figure out my life as I'm currently in a spare room with a few essentials.
Jay has taken a step back from work and social media
ITV
"I don't know what else to say. All my love, A very broken Lisa-Marie."
Just a week before their split, Blades revealed that his uncle Richard Brathwaite had been murdered on a quiet residential street in North London in March - with The Old Bailey hearing that the killing came after a "long-running neighbour dispute".
Last week, The Mail Online reported that Blades would be "given the time" he needed to deal with personal issues impacting his life, as filming for the new series commenced without him.
The comment from a source came after reports said that Blades had thrown filming for the BBC series into chaos, and said: "Jay is a much-loved member of the team on The Repair Shop. It is a really close-knit group, who are like a family.
Jay and Lisa split earlier this month
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"Jay will be given the time he needs to deal with things and sort out what he needs to get sorted. He's been through a really difficult time with his uncle and now he is having to deal with the breakdown of his marriage.
"The BBC fully expect Jay to return but they won't be rushing or pushing him to come back before he is ready and he'll be given the space to sort things out and get his head straight."
Another report suggested that the Christmas Special was also in jeopardy due to Blades' absence, but the source added: "Filming for the Christmas show is almost wrapped up. There's no chance it won't go out. It's one of the jewels in the crown."