Millions tune in to watch him restore sentimental items, and he won the heart of the nation when he confessed he could not read.
And now fans of Jay Blades will have a chance to meet the ‘repair man’ when he comes to Bolton next week.
Jay, who fronts BBC’s The Repair Shop, will be at Bolton Library on June 19.
He will share his reading journey and the importance of libraries.
Last year Jay bravely shared his story about deciding to learn to read at age 51.
Jay said: “Libraries are fantastic spaces in the UK, anyone can walk in, be welcomed and spend time there for free.
"Reading or learning something new can be such a gift in times of need too, and for these reasons I'm so excited to be part of Manchester's Festival of Libraries this year.”
Jay disclosed the coping strategies he has used to get by over the years.
He said: “When I was trying to get a job, you know you have to fill in the application forms, I would always say I didn’t have my glasses.
“I didn’t wear glasses at the time, and I would take it away and get someone else to fill it in.
"I remember once I had a letter from a doctor and I had to go out on the street and get someone to read it to me because I didn’t know what it said in there.
“It was quite strange walking out to someone at the bus stop and they are looking at me, you find loads of coping strategies.
“Working in the TV world there’s a lot of emails, I haven’t read a lot of them, because I can’t do them.”
Jay a furniture restorer and designer, was given his MBE honour by the Prince of Wales in May for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK.
He wanted to learn to read in the hope he could read his teenage daughter a bedtime story for the first time.
The TV star’s learning journey is also to be documented in a one-off BBC One film, Jay Blades: Learning To Read At 51.
Cllr Hilary Fairclough, deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: "I am hoping to go myself, the library and museum are really doing some wonderful things for all ages and covering some really helpful subjects from help with business, leisure arts etc.
"It really is a jewel in the crown, they really think outside the box and connect with so many different groups.
"Reading is so important and our library has a really exciting program to help and encourage people of all ages to read."
Jay will be at Bolton Library at 2pm.
For more information and how to meet Jay visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inspired-by-libraries-with-jay-blades-tickets-327279189867?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here