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Bluebird has triumphed in a multi-publisher auction for the life story of Jay Blades, social enterprise founder, eco-designer and star of BBC show “The Repair Shop”.
Publisher Carole Tonkinson acquired world rights from Charlotte Robertson of the Robertson Murray Literary Agency. The untitled book will be published in 2021.
Blades' show has surged in popularity during lockdown, leading to BBC One commissioning him for his own show “Jay Blades’ Home Fix".
The book synopsis states: “Jay has never spoken in depth about his early life: the bullying that led to his leaving school at 15 with no qualifications; how he eventually found his way back to higher education at 29; various challenges to his own mental health; and the path to his current success. Jay’s hope is by laying bare his own story including a struggle with depression, he can inspire others to seek help and, eventually, to follow their dreams.”
Alongside his TV work, Blades is the founder of Jay & Co, which turns vintage pieces of furniture into pieces of contemporary design, and co-founder of social enterprises Out of the Dark and Street of Dreams, both of which worked with disengaged and disadvantaged young people.
He said: “I am over the moon to be writing my story and to be working with the dream team of publishing at Bluebird. If my story could support one person through their mental health or difficult times, that would be the perfect outcome. Roll on 2021.”
Tonkinson added: “Jay’s charisma is off the charts and his passion for restoration is matched by his commitment to help and inspire others who may be struggling, whether that is disadvantaged young people or those facing mental health struggles. I’m thrilled to be working with Jay and I know his many fans will take this book to their hearts.”