BBC presenter Jay Blades has denied engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife.

The 54-year-old, who fronts primetime show The Repair Shop, entered a not guilty plea at Worcester Crown Court to one charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lisa-Marie Zbozen.

The charge alleges that controlling and coercive behaviour took place in an intimate or family relationship between January 1 2023 and September 12 this year.

Ms Zbozen announced that the pair’s relationship was over in an Instagram post on May 2.

Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, appeared before the Recorder of Worcester, Judge James Burbidge KC on Friday.

Wearing a dark suit and tie, the star spoke only to confirm his identity to the court clerk and to enter his plea.