Jay Blades has been left stunned to discover his addiction to sugar is actually a sign of his family’s tragic past. Jay has shot to fame and become a household name for his role on the BBC’s hit restoration show, The Repair Shop.
The popular BBC series sees Jay and his team breathe life into all kinds of old heirlooms and treasured items. The 51-year-old presenter, who lives in Wolverhampton, received an MBE from Prince Charles earlier today.
Jay told the Sun newspaper: “I am addicted to sugar, no ifs and buts. I don’t suffer from diabetes but I probably will have it. I went to Barbados last year and some of the sachets you get there are actually called Plantation Sugar. It felt weird to see that.
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“It’s a sad state of affairs that I am addicted to something that enslaved my ancestors.” Dr Katie Donington, whose research focuses on the impact of the slave trade in Jamaica and Britain, met Jay to discuss his family’s history recently and opened his eyes as to what his addiction to sweet things could mean.
Jay added: “We need to have an uncomfortable conversation. We shouldn’t be scared about it. It is a big issue that hasn’t been addressed. I don’t think it is the responsibility of the Royal Family, I think it is the responsibility of us as a community. We put our politicians into power and we give them the vote. I think we can solve it but I don’t think we will be able to solve it in my lifetime.
“I think it is going to take a few generations before it is really solved and people feel welcomed, are on even playing field and there is no injustice.”
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