Fallen telly favourite Ashley Blake has spoken of his anguish at being shunned by TV bosses after his prison cell shame.

The ex-Midlands Today presenter used to be a popular personality known for his cheery wave at the end of his bulletins.

But his world came crashing down when he was jailed for two years in 2009 for wounding a teenager at his Sutton Coldfield bar.

Blake admitted: “I’m still paying the price for a split-second decision and can’t get a job.”

Unable to break back into TV after his release, the former newsreader became a lorry driver – and caused chaos by triggering the closure of the Dartford Tunnel in London because his rig was too big.

He was lined up to appear on Birmingham-based station City TV until the project hit the skids amid a crash crisis.

Now Blake is backing a drive to give ex-offenders a second chance in business.

A free breakfast meeting on the subject will be held at Solihull Council’s civic suite chamber at 8am on October 13.

The free event is a joint initiative between employment and training firm Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) and the council.

Blake said: “These events explore the benefits and support available to businesses which would consider giving an offender that second chance.

“It’s something companies often consider but are reluctant to pursue as they’re unsure of the benefits. People will be able to hear why not everyone who goes to prison is a bad person.

“They can learn about the support available to those in the business community who employ an offender and why it could be particularly good for their company.”