David Farnor | On 09, May 2020

Jay Blades, presenter of The Repair Shop and DIY enthusiast, will be sharing personal tips and tricks to help viewers become self-sufficient in their own homes during the coronavirus lockdown.

Jay will be demonstrating how we can all become a bit handier at home through a range of simple demonstrations from his own workshop. Aided by a rich catalogue of BBC home and garden archive, viewers will be guided through ways to tackle outstanding tasks and encouraged to try something new.

The recent lockdown has led many Brits to rediscover their love of DIY and there has been an explosion on social media, from upcycled pallet furniture to rainbow art and everything in-between. However, if straightening that wonky shelf or perfecting your painting technique is still a bit of a mystery, Jay will dispel those common DIY myths and offer expert insight with clear step-by-step instructions to ensure audiences can master the basic skills at home.

Jay Blades says: “DIY is a real passion of mine, but sometimes even the most simple tasks are met with hesitation – and this is usually because people have failed at past projects. My motto is ‘plan to avoid disappointment’ and in doing that, you will always be equipped with the tools to tackle the job in hand, and avoid becoming overwhelmed by unforeseen issues.

“I’m especially looking forward to taking a look back through the BBC archive and sharing expert tips to encourage viewers to get stuck in at home and embrace DIY during lockdown – or dare I say, enjoy it.”

Carla-Maria Lawson, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak, says: “Many of us have lost the basic life skills of previous generations that had to make do and mend, but with Jay’s expertise and can-do attitude, this new series will help set viewers on a new path to self-sufficiency.”

To safeguard both staff and presenters the production will ensure strict social distancing rules are complied with both on and off screen.

BBC One has ordered 10 45-minute episodes, which will air weekdays on BBC One in the near future.

Add to Watchlist