Ashley Banjo has opened up about splitting up with his wife of 16 years.
The Diversity star, who shot to fame on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, announced his split from Francesca last December and revealed they had been separated for a year beforehand. The former couple, who were childhood sweethearts, share daughters Rose, four, and Micah, two.
Speaking about his split for the first time, Ashley, 34, says he and Francesca are focusing on co-parenting their children. Ashley and Francesca had been together for 16 years before they announced their split, and tied the knot in 2015.
"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.
The former couple announced their split in December but said they had been separated for a year prior to the announcement. At the time, they shared a joint statement that 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.
"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."
The statement finished: "Thank you... Lots of Love Ash and Chess x."
After announcing their split, the Ashley and Francesca reunited for Christmas Day and spent the day celebrating with their two children.
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