Ashley Banjo has jumped to his own defence after a comment to his ex-wife on her birthday sparked backlash. The Diversity dancer announced just before Christmas that he and his wife Francesca had split after 16 years together in an emotional statement.
The pair, who tied the knot in 2015, told fans that they had made the decision to separate 18 months earlier before adding their focus will be their kids, Rose and Micah. They said at the time that they will continue to try and be 'best friends to each other' but that they have moved in different directions.
The statement, uploaded to both their Instagram accounts, said: "After much thought and consideration we both feel now is the time to share some personal news. 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 this news with others." They continued: "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.
"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 their joint statement: "Thank you... Lots of Love Ash and Chess x" And the pair have been staying true to their word with them both publically showing each other support and spending time together with their children and their families, including at Ashley's brother Jordan's 30th birthday part at the end of last year.
But Dancing on Ice judge Ashley faced a bit of backlash when he commented on Francesca's birthday post. The birthday girl shared a stunning snap of herself posing by a stage, which she captioned: "30… + 6" followed by a smiling face and kissing emoji. Commenting on his ex-wife's photo, 33-year-old Ashley, wrote: "Happy birthday dude."
And it quickly caught the attention of Francesca's followers with one writing: "@ashleybanjogram dude?? Sore" while another simply replied: "Ouch!!!!" Francesca, however, clearly wasn't phased as she replied: "Thanks dude," with a string of emojis.
But hitting back at these trolls, Ashley replied: "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…" Francesca also saw the funny side as replying to Ashley's comment she said: "Shut down lol. He’s right though…we really have."
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