The Repair Shop's Jay Blades fronts new Channel 5 show following his split from wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen
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BBC favourite Jay Blades has landed a brand new show on Channel 5 following his split from wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen.
The Repair Shop host has moved to Channel 5 for West End Through Time, a two-part series that follows Jay exploring the origins of the West End.
In the series, Jay will delve into the capital's past by speaking with historians and local cabbies to engage in the area's evolution.
The first episode sees Jay head to Trafalgar Square in a traditional black cab before travelling to St Martins-in-the Field Church, where he learns about an exciting historical discovery.
Moving on to the 17th century when the West End truly began to become a thriving entity, the presenter looks into the story of Henry Jermyn.
BBC favourite Jay Blades has landed a brand new show on Channel 5 following his split from wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen
The Repair Shop host 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 looks into the luxury food store Fortnum and Mason, which is an iconic part of the West End's long history of shopping.
Of course, he also explores the West End's famous theatre scene, stopping in at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.
He discovers how the iconic scene actually began thanks to the patronage of Charles II and goes on to pay a visit to one of its oldest tailors, Henry Poole and Co. on Saville Row.
Jay also can't resist treating himself to a tasty lunch at Wilton's, learning how the West End became the epitome of fine dining.
Lucy Willis, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5 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 heading "up west" now to tell the story and the history 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 haunts.
Jay's new show comes after his fitness instructor wife Lisa, 43, walked out on him in May, saying their 18-month marriage 'just got worse and worse, until I grabbed a bag of a few things and I left'.
Following reports the online fitness instructor was planning a 'quick divorce' it's now been claimed her pupils have doing everything they can to support her.
In the series, Jay will delve into the capital's past by speaking with historians and local cabbies to engage in the area's evolution
Jay's new show comes after his fitness instructor wife Lisa, 43, walked out on him in May, saying their 18-month marriage 'just got worse and worse, until I grabbed a bag of a few things and I left'
A source told The Sun: 'There are a lot of women who have gone through hard times in their life and Lisa's exercise workouts have been a bit like therapy and helped them through.
'So, this is very much their way of trying to give something back to her'.
Adding: 'A couple of the women have even agreed to act as organisers, and have asked for people to donate funds to them, which would then be forwarded to help Lisa.'
It is unclear if Lisa has accepted the donations, MailOnline have contacted her reps for comment .
Last month it was claimed Lisa was planning a 'quickie' divorce after deciding there is 'no way back' for them.
She was said to have has spoken with her lawyers and has now told friends she plans to move on from the breakdown of their marriage quickly.
Following their separation Lisa has moved into a new home and is concentrating on growing her business, a source told The Sun.
MailOnline contacted Lisa's representatives for comment at the time.
She announced her split from the TV star, who she married in November 2022, in an emotional social media post on May 2.
She said: 'I have been quiet until now, but the papers seem to be picking up this story, but some parts have been definitely missed, so it's forced my hand...
'This was the whole post on a private forum: I don't know how to say this because it's still really raw.
Lisa announced that she had ended her marriage with Blades with a surprise post on social media (seen on wedding day)
In a statement posted on Instagram, Lisa said: 'I don't know how to say this because it's still really raw'
'I probably should be really angry but I'm just incredibly sad about the whole thing right now. I don't think I've ever cried so much.
'I wanted my husband to love me & keep me safe, and I would love him right back, but it just got worse and worse, until I grabbed a bag of a few thing's & I just left. Anyway, That's why there's been no new wkouts [workouts].'
In another post, she said: 'I will admit I'm crying as I type this as I can't believe this is even real. I hope you don't mind if I just have a few days trying to figure out my life as I'm currently in a spare room with a few essentials.
'I don't know what else to say. All my love, A very broken Lisa-Marie x.'
It all came as Jay was expected to be back filming the hugely-popular BBC show The Repair Shop but had reportedly been absent on set.
MailOnline revealed that Jay would be 'given the time' he needed to deal with personal issues impacting his life.
Amid reports that Jay had thrown BBC's , a source has confirmed to MailOnline that the presenter is being 'given the space' he needs to get 'his head straight'.
The insider said: 'Jay is a much-loved member of the team on The Repair Shop. It is a really close-knit group, who are like a family.
'Jay will be given the time he needs to deal with things and sort out what he needs to get sorted.
'He's been through a really difficult time with his uncle and now he is having to deal with the breakdown of his marriage.
'The BBC fully expect Jay to return but they won't be rushing or pushing him to come back before he is ready and he'll be given the space to sort things out and get his head straight.'
Reports recently suggested that the Christmas special of the Repair Shop 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 Saturday, July 13 on Channel 5.
