Lisa Marie Zbozen, the devastated wife of Repair Shop star Jay Blades, revealed in an emotional social media post that she had left him after 18 months of marriage. Zbozen expressed her sadness at the end of the marriage and mentioned that things had been getting worse over time. She shared that the split was difficult for her and that she may need counseling to cope with it. The news of their separation came just after Jay Blades’ uncle was allegedly stabbed to death by a neighbor following a dispute. Zbozen explained in her post that she had packed a few things and left the relationship when it became untenable for her. She mentioned that the split was raw and emotional for her, and she was taking some time to figure out her next steps.
The couple had married in November 2022 in Barbados, sharing their intimate ceremony with Hello! Magazine. They exchanged wedding rings created by Richard Talman from The Repair Shop, which was a special touch for Lisa. This was Jay’s second marriage, having been previously married to Jade with whom he shares a daughter. The relationship with his ex-wife had broken down in 2015, leading to his relocation to the West Midlands. Lisa, a personal trainer with years of experience, operates The Wkout, which offers various fitness programs. The couple had previously given glimpses of their relationship, with Jay sharing his struggles with dyslexia and learning to read at the age of 51.
The shocking news of Jay Blades’ uncle’s death led him to announce his intention to take a break from social media to process his grief. His beloved uncle was allegedly stabbed to death by a neighbor following a long-standing dispute. The incident left Jay feeling ‘messed up’ and prompted him to seek therapy and time away from social media. The tragic circumstances surrounding his uncle’s death deeply affected Jay and prompted an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues in the television industry. The funeral for his uncle took place recently, and Jay shared his emotions in a heartfelt message to his followers on social media.
Jay Blades, known for his work on The Repair Shop, rose to fame after co-founding the charity Out of the Dark, which focused on teaching young people how to restore and sell old furniture. His journey to TV stardom began after TV producers discovered him through a short film about his charity work. Jay’s rise to success was not without challenges, as he struggled with homelessness and illiteracy before his television career took off. His experience of being homeless, coupled with his dyslexia, shaped his determination and resilience, leading to his appointment as an MBE for services to craft.
The news of Jay’s separation from his wife and the tragic death of his uncle have highlighted the personal challenges he has faced throughout his life. Despite the difficulties, Jay has persevered and found success in his career, becoming a beloved figure on British television. The support and love he has received from fans, colleagues, and friends during these challenging times are a testament to the impact he has had on others through his work and his personal journey. Jay’s willingness to be vulnerable and seek help demonstrates his strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Moving forward, he is taking time to focus on his well-being and seek the support he needs to cope with these recent events.