BBC favourite Jay Blades has landed a new show on Channel 5 following his split from wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen.
The Repair Shop presenter has moved to Channel 5 for West End Through Time, a two-part series which follows Jay exploring the origins of the West End.
In the series, Jay will delve into the capital’s past by speaking to local historians and taxi drivers to learn about the evolution of the area.
In the first episode, Jay heads to Trafalgar Square in a traditional black cab before travelling to St Martins-in-the Field church, where he learns of an exciting historical discovery.
Moving into the 17th century, when the West End really began to become a thriving entity, the presenter looks at the story of Henry Jermyn.
BBC favourite Jay Blades has landed a new show on Channel 5 following his split from wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen
The Repair Shop presenter has moved to Channel 5 for West End Through Time, a two-part series that follows Jay exploring the origins of the West End.
Next, Jay visits the upmarket food store Fortnum and Mason, which is an iconic landmark in the West End’s long shopping history.
Of course, also explore the famous West End theatre scene, stopping at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.
Discover how the iconic scene really began thanks to the patronage of Charles II and continue by visiting one of its oldest tailors, Henry Poole and Co. on Saville Row.
Jay also can’t resist indulging in a tasty lunch at Wilton’s and learning how the West End became the epitome of fine dining.
Lucy Willis, Channel 5 Commissioning Editor, said of the new show: ‘Jay Blades’ East End Through Time really brought the East End to life for us last year, so I’m really excited that he’s now heading ‘west’ to tell the story of the West End from his unique perspective.
This follows the success of his previous 2023 series, Jay Blades’ East End Through Time, where he delved into the history of his childhood locales.
Jay’s new show comes after his fitness instructor… His wife Lisa, 43, left him in May, saying their 18-month marriage “just It was getting worse and worse, until I grabbed a bag with some things and left.’
Following reports that the online fitness instructor was planning a “quickie divorce”, it is now claimed that her students are doing everything they can to support her.
In the series, Jay will delve into the capital’s past by speaking to local historians and taxi drivers to learn about the evolution of the area.
Jay’s new show comes after his fitness instructor wife Lisa, 43, left him in May, saying their 18-month marriage “just got worse and worse, until I just grabbed a bag with some stuff and left.”
A source said Sun: ‘There are many women who have gone through difficult times in their lives and Lisa’s exercises have been a bit like therapy and have helped them overcome them.
“So, this is very much their way of trying to give something back.”
She added: ‘A couple of women even agreed to act as organisers and asked for people to donate funds to them which would then go towards helping Lisa.’
It is not clear whether Lisa has accepted the donations, MailOnline has contacted her representatives for comment.
Last month it was claimed Lisa was planning a “quickie” divorce after deciding there was “no turning back” for them.
She is said to have spoken to her lawyers and has now told friends that she plans to move on from the break-up of her marriage quickly.
Following their split, Lisa has moved into a new home and is focusing on growing her business, a source said. Sun.
MailOnline contacted Lisa’s representatives at the time for comment.
She announced her split from the TV star, whom she married in November 2022, in an emotional social media post on May 2.
She said: ‘I’ve been silent until now but the papers seem to be picking up this story, although some parts have definitely been overlooked, so it has forced me to act…
‘This was the full post on a private forum – I don’t know how to say it because it’s still very present.
Lisa announced she had ended her marriage to Blades with a surprise social media post (seen on the wedding day)
In a statement posted on Instagram, Lisa said: “I don’t know how to say this because it’s still so painful.”
I should probably be really angry, but I’m just incredibly sad about all of this right now. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much.
“I wanted my husband to love me and protect me, and I wanted him to love me back, but it just kept getting worse and worse, until I just grabbed a bag with some stuff and left. That’s why I haven’t been training anymore anyway.”
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 to try and figure out my life as I’m currently in a spare room with a few essentials.
‘I don’t know what else to say. With all my love. A very heartbroken Lisa-Marie x’.
It all came as Jay was expected to return to film popular BBC show The Repair Shop, but had reportedly been absent from the set.
MailOnline revealed that Jay would be given “the time” he needed to deal with personal issues affecting his life.
Amid reports that Jay had released BBCAccording to a source who confirmed to MailOnline, the presenter is being “given the space” he needs to “gather his thoughts”.
The source said: ‘Jay is a much-loved member of The Repair Shop team. It’s a close-knit group, like a family.
‘Jay will be given the time he needs to deal with things and work through whatever he needs to work through.
‘She’s been through a very difficult time with her uncle and is now having to deal with the break-up of her marriage.
‘The BBC fully looks forward to Jay’s return but he will not be rushed or pressured into returning before he is ready and he will be given the space to sort things out and get his thoughts in order.’
Recent reports suggested that The Repair Shop’s Christmas special was in jeopardy due to Jay’s absence.
But MailOnline later understood that this was not the case and with Jay back filming it seems the show’s filming schedule has resumed.
Jay Blades: The West End Through Time begins on Saturday 13 July on Channel 5.