Jay Blades on The Repair Shop © Guy Levy,BBC

The Repair Shop's Jay Blades apologises to fans as he shares health update

The presenter revealed he's been feeling under the weather recently

TV and film writer
October 19, 2023

The Repair Shop star Jay Blades has apologised to his Instagram followers for being less active on the social media platform over the past few days, explaining that he has been feeling unwell. 

Sharing a mirror selfie taken in a hotel lobby, the presenter penned: "Good morning all. So sorry for not posting as much lately but I've been sick for a few days and I'm not 100% yet. I hope to be back on form very soon.

"Take Care of Your Health," he added. 

Fans rushed to the comments section with supportive messages for Jay and wished him a speedy recovery. One person wrote: "It's vitally important to look after yourself - Hope you're feeling better soon Jay," while another added: "Hope you're feeling better soon - still looking great tho."

A third follower commented: "Aw sorry to hear that, hope you're feeling better soon."

Jay's latest post comes just weeks after he gave fans an update on the latest season of The Repair Shop. 

© Ricochet Ltd

Jay has presented the show since it first aired in 2017

Taking to Instagram, the 53-year-old revealed that the experts have been busy filming in the barn, assuring viewers that more episodes are on the way. Over the past few weeks, the BBC has been airing repeat episodes from previous seasons, rather than broadcasting new episodes. 

"Good morning all," he wrote, alongside a photo of The Repair Shop sign which hangs outside the workshop. "You will be pleased to know that this week, we are filming some Brand New @therepairshoptv Shows for you."

It's been an exciting few months for the show, which received the Daytime gong at the National Television Awards in September, ending This Morning's 12-year winning streak

© James Veysey/Shutterstock for NTA

The Repair Shop won Daytime at the National Television Awards this year

In his acceptance speech, Jay said it was a "rarity" for the show to pick up the prize. Thanking his co-stars, he said: "I would like to salute my experts, they are my family.

"We're the new kids on the block and I'm glad we've won this time. I know it won't be a regular thing so thank you."

FIND OUT: Where is The Repair Shop filmed and can you visit?

MORE: The Repair Shop stars' private homes unveiled: Will Kirk, Suzie Fletcher, more

Jay has made no secret of the fact that the experts on the show are like family to one another.

WATCH: Meet the cast of BBC's The Repair Shop

While chatting with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs last year, the London-born star revealed the support he's received from his colleagues. 

"The Repair Shop has fixed me because what it's done is actually brought me into another family, that's people in front and behind the camera, who have looked after me and understand my kind of, I'll call them differences, and just accepted them," he said, adding: "Kirsten, Steve, Will – you have to be there to understand that what you guys see on TV is brilliant, don't get me wrong, it's even better in real life."

© Guy Levy

Experts Sonnaz Nooranvary, Lucia Scalisi, Julie Tatchell, William Kirk, Jay Blades, Amanda Middleditch, Suzie Fletcher, Dominic Chinea and Steve Fletcher

As for Jay's future on the show, fans can rest assured that he's not planning on leaving anytime soon. 

He told The Guardian earlier this year: "I don't see myself going anywhere. If they'll have me, you might see me grow very old in that barn. I already shave my head but my eyebrows might go grey."

Who are the experts on The Repair Shop?

© Guy Levy

Sonnaz Nooranvary, Lucia Scalisi, Julie Tatchell, William Kirk, Jay Blades, Amanda Middleditch, Suzie Fletcher, Dominic Chinea, Steve Fletcher

  • Jay Blades: Presenter and furniture restoration expert
  • Will Kirk: Carpenter and woodwork expert
  • Steve Fletcher: Horologist
  • Suzie Fletcher: Leatherworker and saddle expert
  • Kirsten Ramsay: Expert in ceramics
  • Dominic Chinea: Metal worker and car restorer
  • Brenton West: Silversmith, photography expert
  • Sonnaz Nooranvary: Upholstery Restorer
  • Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell: Soft toy restores known as 'The Teddy Bear Ladies'
  • Lucia Scalisi: Painting and artwork restorer
  • Mark Stuckey: Electronics expert and radio restorer
  • Neil Fairley: Vintage electronics repairer
  • Hannah Weston Smith: Traditional Upholsterer

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more