THE Repair Shop’s Jay Blades has revealed how crafting helped him ‘feel good every day’ after being plagued by suicidal thoughts.
The 51-year-old hosts the hit BBC series and loves seeing guests’ treasured items restored to their former glory.
For Jay, seeing people – particularly men – cry on screen is important, as he told The Times: “Showing vulnerability for men is really important. Suicide is the biggest killer of men between the ages of 43 and 49.
“This is due to men not talking, or believing that they will show themselves as being weak.
“Men can show their emotions and we’re not ashamed to do that.”
Jay knows all too well about the importance of looking after your mental health, having spoken in the past about feeling suicidal following the breakdown of is marriage.
The star found solace in the workshop, revealing: “Once you make something, it gives you a virtual pat on the back.
“Making things just allowed me to feel good every day.”
Since its debut four years ago, The Repair Shop has seen its popularity sky rocket before securing a place as a staple show on BBC One.
The fan favourite, which sees seven million viewers tuning in for each episode, is now looking towards its ninth series and beyond.
Host Jay has admitted that while the concept of the show seemed “quite boring” at first, he felt the emotional storytelling from visitors to the workshop is what turned it around.
Speaking to the Radio Times this week, Jay added that the continued success will hopefully see the show “run and run” as future seasons are in the pipeline.
“I think it can run and run. Let’s raise the bar. Seven million? I want ten million! Keep reaching,” he explained.
The Repair Shop is available on BBC iPlayer.
