22 April 2023 , 09:09
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Ashley Banjo has broken his silence after splitting from his wife of 16 years.
The Diversity star, 34, and his childhood sweetheart Francesca announced that they will be divorcing in a joint statement in December.
And now he says they are focusing on their two children.
"At the end of the day, for me when it comes to life my children are my priority and looking after my family and my babies and making sure they're happy and their lives are good is number one," he told the Daily Mail.
Ashley and Francesca announced their split in December after revealing they had actually been separated for a year.
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The former couple said their "main focus" will continue to be their children Rose, three, and Micah, two.
Ashley Banjo has broken his silence after splitting from his wife of 16 years (WENN)The statement was shared by both Ashley – best known for being in dance troupe Diversity – and Francesca with their respective followers on Instagram.
The statement read: “Nearly 18 months ago, we took the difficult decision to separate. After being together for over 16 years, since we were teenagers, this is not a decision that has been taken lightly.
“It has not been easy and the processing of the situation has not been fast by any means. But we feel that as we approach the new year it is time to share the news with others.
“Raising Rose and Micah in a healthy happy environment is the most important thing to both of us.
“Sometimes after so many years people just move in different directions, but we do so lovingly and we continue to try and be both the best parents possible and the best of friends to each other.”
The couple were married for 16 years before they separatedAshley and Francesca had been together since they were teenagers, with the Dancing On Ice judge revealing he took his beau to the Science Museum in London for their first date back in 2005.
Writing about the day in a previous post on Instagram, the star said: "I couldn't drive, so I took [her] on a date to the science museum to try and make her laugh and impress her with how much I knew about the nerdiest subjects possible instead."
The couple got hitched July 4, 2015 at a gorgeous venue in Essex with Ashley sharing pictures of the happy day on social media.
Writing about Francesca in a previous post for Valentine's Day, the dancer described his childhood sweetheart as his "best friend". Ashley had further commented in the post: "[I] love her more than she knows".
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They're proud parents of twoAshley was recently criticised by fans when he wished Francesca a happy birthday. Commenting on a photo of her celebrating turning 36 in March, he said: "Happy Birthday dude."
Some of his followers thought the comment was inappropriate, with one replying: "“Dude?? Sore” while another said: “Ouch!!!!” followed by an red-faced emoji.
However Ashley hit back, quipping: “For those of you who wish to comment in outrage. This is what we’ve called each other for over a decade and a half. But your input is very much appreciated."