Diversity star Ashley Banjo has announced that he has separated from his wife Francesca after a 16-year relationship.
The Britain's Got Talent winner and Dancing On Ice Judge, 34, married his childhood sweetheart in 2015 and the pair have two children together, Micah and Rose. But the pair revealed that they privately made the decision to split almost a year and a half ago, admitting that it had "not been easy".
Ashley and Francesca issued a joint statement to fans via their Instagram Stories on Thursday evening. They wrote: "After much thought and consideration we both feel now is the time to share some personal news.
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"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," they added. "But we feel that as we approach the new year it is time to share this news with others.
"Our main focus will always be our beautiful children. Every decision that has been made is to make sure we can continue as a loving family and give the very best of ourselves as parents."
They went on: "Raising Rose and Micah in a healthy and 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.
"We have always been private with our personal lives, so we kindly ask that everyone please continue to respect that privacy. We won't be making any further comment on the situation," they finished the statement.
Ashley posted a heartfelt message to Francesca on the sixth wedding anniversary back in 2021 - almost exactly 18 months ago - as he posted a photo of the pair with their two kids. "Six years on and we managed to make some pretty special little people," he wrote. "Happy anniversary."
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