Jay Blades launches Hungry prodco

Jay Blades, presenter of BBC series The Repair Shop, has launched a production company in partnership with UK indie Hungry Bear Media.

Jay Blades

Hungry Jay Media will develop and produce TV formats that will see Blades both in front of and behind the camera, with a focus on creating opportunities for new production talent.

Blades is a familiar face to BBC viewers, having presented BBC1 primetime show The Repair Shop for the past five years, as well as being a regular contributor on Money For Nothing.

As the owner of a successful furniture restoration business, Blades also co-founded former charities Sweet Dreams and Out of The Dark, which helped motivate thousands of disengaged and disadvantaged young people over the years and provide them with practical skills. Hungry Jay Media will aim to create further opportunities.

Blades said: “If someone like me, who grew up in Hackney with no TV training, can front a hit BBC1 show, then so can others from similar backgrounds. I feel excited to team up with Hungry Bear. I feel at home.”

Dan Baldwin, who founded Hungry Bear Media in 2014 with Denison Gray, said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with Jay. He’s the rising star in factual entertainment in the UK. We see this partnership with Jay as a long-term collaboration of creativity and social conscience. We can’t wait to reveal what we’ve been working on together.”

Hungry Bear Media is behind shows including Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, All Round to Mrs Brown’s, Judge Romesh, Look Back to the Future, Bradley Walsh & Son and Breaking Dad.