Ashley Banjo has reunited with his estranged wife Francesca for Christmas as a family days after announcing their split.
The Diversity star and Francesca were together for 16 years and had two children - Rose, three, and Micah, two - before revealing they'd called it quits on their romance. After announcing the news, fans took to the couples social media pages to show their support for the stars.
Now the couple have reunited with their children on Christmas Eve as they thank fans for their support. The 33-year-old posed while holding his son and daughter in matching Christmas pyjamas, while Francesca smiles as she takes the picture, reports the Mirror.
Captioning the snap, Ashely wrote: "Thank you for all the love and support. Happy Christmas Eve."
Ashley and Francesca, who are both dancers, actually split up 18 months ago but kept the news private until this week. On Instagram, the Dancing On Ice judge wrote: "After being together for over 16 years, since we were teenagers, this is not a decision that has been taken lightly." He added: "Our main focus will always be our beautiful children."
The pair, who are both dancers, said they would continue to try and be "best friends to each other." The announcement might have seemed out of the blue, but there was several clues the couple had split long before their announcement.
When Ashley collected his MBE in October, and chose to take his mum alongside him instead of Francesca. Sharing sweet snaps from the special day on Instagram, he wrote: "So I went to Windsor Castle with my mum to pick up something a little bit special today...Humbled, greatful and feeling hopeful for the future.
"Thanks again to everyone that has supported me, my team and my family over the years. Onwards and upwards. Ashley Banjo MBE."
Francesca's congratulatory comment also gave the platonic impression, as she commented: "So proud of you dude... what a day xx".
Despite going their separate ways, it's obvious the couple have a lot of mutual respect for one another as Ashley shared a picture of Francesca on Mother's Day in March. Sharing a stream of snaps, which started with his mum, and then two of his former partner with their kids, he wrote: "Happy Mother’s Day @daniellebanjo42231 and @francescabanjo... Both of you are the best ever.
"After Rose and Micah I have a new found respect for my mum completely and as for Chess… I literally don’t know how she does it on a daily basis. Love and appreciate you both more than you." Francesca replied with three love heart emojis.
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