TV presenter Jay Blades has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape.
The 55-year-old, from Claverley, Shropshire, who is best known for hosting BBC show The Repair Shop, denied the offences at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Wednesday.
Mr Blades, who appeared in court via a video link, was granted bail ahead of a trial in September 2027.
Judge Anthony Lowe told Mr Blades that he regretted the delays, but he could not move the case to an earlier date because of the backlog in criminal cases.
“It’s not a proper justice system where people are having to wait that length of time for their trial,” the judge added.
A case management hearing was also set for the same court on 15 May next year, which Mr Blades will not be required to attend in person.
The TV presenter, who appeared in court under his full name Jason Blades, was told not to contact the complainant.
Mr Blades, who was honoured with an MBE in 2021, stepped back from presenting The Repair Shop last year.
