Jay Blades has landed a brand-new TV role which is worlds away from his beloved The Repair Shop . The TV star, 54, has announced that his brand-new show is set to hit Channel 5 in just a few days, and the network has given fans a tantalising glimpse of what's in store. In The West End Through Time, the telly host will be venturing far from his usual workshop to tackle a completely different subject.
Known for breathing new life into family heirlooms on The Repair Shop, Jay will be pounding the pavements of London to delve into the history of the West End. The inaugural episode will see him journeying to Trafalgar Square in a classic black cab. At St Martins-in-the Field Church, Jay will learn about a historical revelation made in 2006 that shifted views on London's origins.
Fast-forwarding to the 17th century when the West End really started to flourish, the presenter delves into the tale of Henry Jermyn. His ambitious building project near St James's Palace transformed open fields into swanky residences for the nation's upper crust, earning him the moniker 'founder of the West End'. Next up, Jay investigates luxury food emporium Fortnum & Mason, probing its role in the West End's extensive shopping history.
He uncovers its humble beginnings selling the Queen's used candles while tasting scotch eggs, which Fortnum & Mason purport to have created. Perhaps most famous for its musicals and plays, the West End is Jay's next destination, specifically the Theatre Royal on Drury Lan.