BBC presenter Jay Blades has denied engaging in controlling or coercive behavior towards his wife.
The 54-year-old, who hosts primetime show The Repair Shop, pleaded not guilty at Worcester Crown Court on Friday.
Wearing a dark suit and tie, Blades, of Claverley in Shropshire, spoke only to confirm his identity to the court clerk and enter his plea.
The indictment alleges that the exercise of control and coercion took place between January 1, 2023 and September 12 of this year.
His behavior was said to have had a “serious effect” on his partner, Lisa-Marie Zbozen, “namely that it caused her to fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her”.
Ms Zbozen announced in an Instagram post on May 2 that the couple’s relationship had ended.
Blades appeared before the Registrar of Worcester, Judge James Burbidge QC, who refused an application for part of the proceedings to be heard in private.
A “brief” copy of the indictment was read to Blades before he took the stand.
A more detailed version of his arraignment was not read during the 12-minute hearing.
The judge told Blades: “You are aware of the charges against you because you have a specific indictment.
“The jury will hear it and then the public will hear the charges during the prosecution’s opening, and then all those details will be read.”
The judge removed the bail condition that Blades must be subjected to an electronic tag, which had not yet been fitted due to “omissions” by the company responsible.
He told the presenter: “You have denied responsibility for your alleged crime and the prosecution is offering to try you.
“I’m unmarking your exclusion zone, but you’re still subject to the exclusion zone.”
The judge adjourned the case with a possible trial date of May 6 next year.
Blades left the court without comment.
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The Repair Shop first aired in 2017 and its 14th series is due out later this year.
Blades – a furniture restorer – is the face of the popular BBC show, which features people repairing and rejuvenating treasured items.
