Jay Blades was born on 21 February 1970 in Brent, London, England, and was raised in Hackney by his mother. His father was largely absent, and he later discovered he had many half-siblings.

He struggled academically due to undiagnosed dyslexia and worked in factories and as a labourer before pursuing education later in life. He studied criminology at Buckinghamshire New University as a mature student.

Blades’ career shifted when he co-founded a charity, Out of the Dark, training disadvantaged young people in furniture restoration. A short film about this work led to television opportunities.

He rose to national fame as presenter and foreman of The Repair Shop, which airs on BBC Two and BBC One. He also presented Money for Nothing and Jay Blades’ Home Fix, along with spin-offs including The Repair Shop: On the Road.

Blades lives in Shropshire and has spoken openly about overcoming hardship, homelessness, and personal challenges while maintaining a career in television and community work.