Former The Repair Shop star Jay Blades pleased not guilty in court on Wednesday, where he appeared over accusations of two counts of rape.

The presenter appeared via video link as he entered his pleas at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

The 55-year-old is currently on conditional bail after stepping back from presenting gigs last year.

My Blades first appeared at Telford Magistrates’ Court last month, where he was not required to issue a plea.

The BBC star found fame on the popular restoration show, which debuted in 2017.

He went onto appear in several other programmes and fronted various documentaries.

In 2021, My Blades was given an MBE for his services to heritage craft and promoting the practice of restoration in the UK.

The following year, the presenter met the King at Dumfries House in Scotland, while he was still the Prince of Wales.

Mr Blades first took a break from presenting the BBC favourite over separate allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his ex-wife.

While awaiting trial for these allegations, West Mercia Police confirmed in August of this year that new charges had been brought against him.

Before the current allegations, the father-of-three was already awaiting a trial for different charges against his ex-wife, Lisa-Marie Zbozen, which he has denied.

He was arrested over the accusations in May last year, the day Ms Zbozen announced publicly she had decided to call it quits on her 18-month marriage to Mr Blades.

It was stated at the time that the presenter’s actions led to his ex-wife fearing “on at least two occasions, that violence would be used against her”.

Blades pleaded not guilty to the charge during a court hearing in October last year.

The BBC confirmed previously that no episodes featuring Mr Blades will be aired until it is clear how “legal proceedings conclude”.

During Wednesday’s court appearance, Mr Blades is understood to have worn a dark suit, blue tie and a white shirt.

The Standard reports the 55-year-old, whose full name is Jason Blades, spoke to confirm his identity before stating “not guilty” to both charges.

The publication reports Judge Anthony Lowe adjourned the case for a trial in September 2027, apologising to Mr Blades.

He commented: “I apologise, it’s not a proper justice system where people are having to wait that length of time for their trial, but I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do,” the publication reports.

It is understood Mr Blades’ barrister Susan Meek had appealed for an earlier trial, noting the presenter has been unable to work since last year.

The judge refused the request, explaining: “Perhaps the press attention in this case will bring it more to the public domain the chronic position we are in in relation to the backlog.

“If I were to bring Mr Blades’ trial forward, bringing it in perhaps a year earlier, all I would be doing is bumping a case off the list.

“While I understand Mr Blades is more high profile, the reality is everyone waiting for a trial – their lives are being put on hold, as are the witnesses as well.”