ASHLEY Banjo has revealed that he and his wife Francesca Abbot have gone their separate ways.
The Diversity star turned Dancing On Ice judge opened up that he and his childhood sweetheart had split after 16 years.
Ashley, 31, got engaged to Francesca back in 2014, with the pair marrying a year later and now sharing two children.
The proud dad said the former couple's priority would now be co-parenting their children Rose, three, and Micah, two.
Taking to Instagram to announce the split, Ashley explained the couple decided to part ways 18 months ago.
In a joint statement, the pair 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 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.
"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. Thank you, lots of love, Ash and Chess x"
Ashley and Francesca share two children, with their first baby, a daughter named Rose, born in 2019.
Francesca gave birth to the family's second addition, a son named Micah Grace, in the early hours of the evening of March 26, 2020.
But his busy schedule has meant he has had to spend time away from his little ones.
In an interview with The Sun's Fabulous team, the dancer said: "The past few years have been amazing.
"You always hear the words that it is ‘life-changing when you have kids’ but you never really know what it is like until you experience it.
"Kids are the best thing that has happened to me in my life. But oh my gosh, I feel like I experience dad guilt 24/7 if I am honest."
Earlier this year, Ashley revealed another family heartbreak as he told fans that he was devastated by the death of his dog.
He took to Instagram to share his devastation with a series of snaps with the Chihuahua, named KP.
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