Repair Shop star Jay Blades has had a hellish week after revealing the tragic death of his uncle just days before his wife Lisa Zbozen announced she had left him.
The grieving presenter, 54, took to Instagram on Monday, where he revealed he had just attended his uncle’s funeral following his death a few weeks ago.
Jay’s beloved uncle was allegedly stabbed to death by a neighbor after a long dispute over a shared alley.
On Thursday his wife Lisa He said he left it in an emotional message posted on social media.
Fitness instructor Lisa Marie Zbozen, 43, said she left the TV star, 54, whom she married in November 2022.
Repair Shop star Jay Blades has had a hellish week after revealing the tragic death of his uncle before his wife Lisa Zbozen announced she had left him.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Lisa said: “I don’t know how to say this because it’s still very raw.”
In a statement posted on Instagram, Lisa said: “I’ve been quiet until now, but the papers seem to be picking up on this story, but they’ve definitely missed some parts, so it’s forced me to do it…
‘This was the full post on a private forum:
‘I don’t know how to say this because it’s still very raw.
‘I should probably be really angry, but I’m incredibly sad about this whole thing right now.
“I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much.
‘I wanted my husband to love me and keep me safe, and I would love him too, but things got worse and worse, until I grabbed a bag with some things and just left.
‘Anyway, that’s why there haven’t been any new wkouts (workouts).
‘(I would never miss a wkout (workout) – I would do it on the sidewalk barefoot and naked if I had to.)’
Fitness instructor Lisa Marie Zbozen, 43, said she left the TV star, 54, whom she married in November 2022 (seen last September).
In another post, she said: “I admit I’m crying as I write this because I can’t believe this is real.” I hope you don’t mind if I only have a few days trying to figure out my life since I’m currently in a spare room with a few essentials.
‘I do not know what else to say. All my Love. A very devastated Lisa-Marie x.’
The next episode of Repair Shop will air on the BBC on May 15 at 8pm.
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Jay and the BBC has been contacted for comment.
It comes after Jay’s beloved uncle was allegedly stabbed to death by a neighbor on a quiet residential street following a long dispute over a shared alley, MailOnline revealed this week.
The Repair Shop star announced on Monday that he would be taking some time away from social media to process his grief following the death of his uncle, telling his fans that the shocking grief had left him feeling “messy.”
In a statement posted on Instagram, Lisa said: “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much.” I wanted my husband to love me and keep me safe.
Richard Brathwaite, 72, was found dead on Cromwell Road in Wembley around lunchtime on March 21 after his neighbor Derek Brown, who lived in the same street, allegedly stabbed him.
Brown, also 72, is said to have launched the attack on Braithwaite after accusing the victim of leaving items in the alley shared between their homes.
During the fatal incident, Blades’ 71-year-old aunt Annetta was also injured, suffering cuts to her head and face.
Brathwaite’s funeral is believed to have taken place on Monday, and the BBC presenter paid tribute to his uncle, whom he called “a really nice guy” and added that the alleged murder “should never have happened to him”.
In an emotional video, still dressed in his black suit after the service, he told his Instagram followers: “I hope you are all well.” This is something of a public service announcement. I was just at my uncle’s funeral (…).
‘Really, super nice guy, it shouldn’t have happened to him, but it affected me a lot. I feel a little messy. So what I intend to do is this.
It comes just a day after it was revealed that Jay’s beloved uncle (pictured) was allegedly stabbed to death by a neighbor following a long dispute over a shared alley.
In an emotional video, still dressed in his black suit after the service, he told his Instagram followers: “This is like a public service announcement. I just went to my uncle’s funeral.
‘I’m leaving social media for a while and will be back in a moment. I’m going to go do therapy and just relax. Please take care of each other, take care of yourselves and I will see you soon.’
Emergency services were called to the north London property in March but tragically pronounced Mr Brathwaite dead at 12.30pm. A man was later arrested outside Wembley police station.
A special post-mortem examination carried out two days later determined that the victim’s cause of death was a stab wound.
A man appeared in court on March 26, where he was charged with murder, wounding with intent and possession of a sharp object in a public place.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the Old Bailey in March that the alleged murder took place after a “long neighbor dispute between the accused and the deceased”.
Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC set a plea hearing for June 11 and scheduled a three-week interim trial beginning on January 27 next year.
Neighbors living on the street told MailOnline they didn’t know much about Braithwaite, who “kept to himself”.
Jay didn’t reveal details about the tragedy, but said he had to take some time off of his social media because the shock had left him feeling “messed up” (pictured by The Repair Shop).
Blades’ video, which was titled “Good evening everyone, see you soon,” sparked widespread support from fans and the television community.
BBC and ITV presenter Julia Bradbury wrote: “Sorry to hear this Jay. Glad you’re taking some time off.”
Channel 4’s First Dates star Fred Sirieix posted a red heart emoji, while 5News presenter Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije said: ‘Take care bro. I’m so sorry for your loss.’
BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin added: “I’m so sorry to hear this, sending you love xx.”
