TV presenter Jay Blades has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape.

The 55-year-old did not attend Shrewsbury Crown Court on Wednesday morning, instead appearing via videolink.

He previously appeared remotely at Telford Magistrates' Court when he spoke only to confirm his name, address, and date of birth.

Blades, who lives in Shropshire, and is on conditional bail, found fame on the furniture restoration programme The Repair Shop, which he started presenting in 2017.

A furniture restorer, he was the face of the popular BBC show that featured people having their treasured objects repaired and rejuvenated until he stepped back from presenting the programme last year.

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