Diversity star Ashley Banjo, 34, has broken his silence after his marriage of 16 years to Francesca Abbott has ended in divorce.
The dancer couple ended their marriage in December last year and are now focusing on raising their two children.
The Diversity dancer revealed to the Daily Mail: “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.” (sic)
After news of the couple’s split, it was confirmed they had been separated for over 18 months prior.
Ashley shared to his Instagram stories in December in a joint statement: “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.
“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.”
However, dancer Francesca, 36, shared that she and their children, Rose, four, and Micah, three, continue to support their father.
Speaking with the same publication, Ashley also added: “Now they’re old enough, my children enjoy watching BGT performances on YouTube, they always get up Diversity performances, and they want to watch their daddy, which is super cute, and I love watching the old performances with them.”
The dancer was part of the group Diversity, which won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, and has since gone on to judge Dancing On Ice and partner up with various campaigns.
Last month, it was revealed that he would play the tin man in The Wizard of Oz on the West End in June.
He joins the cast of Louis Gaunt as the Scarecrow, Jason Manford as the Cowardly Lion, and Gary Wilmot as the Wizard.
This is not the first time the star has been a triple threat, having previously starred in Pantoland at the Palladium in 2020.
The couple shares time with their children on Instagram despite their split, showing that family relations have not soured.
Francesca has continued posting with family members and wished brother Jordan Banjo and new sister-in-law Naomi Banjo a happy birthday.
She also commented on her former husband’s post on his latest collaboration with Peacock’s fashion: “Yes dude so sick xx” followed by various supportive emojis.
Ashley also commented on his ex-wife’s birthday Instagram post with: “Happy birthday dude x.”
Waving off critics of his nickname for her, Francesca fought back with: “@ashleybanjogram 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…” (sic)
The couple had their first date at the Science Museum in London in 2005.
They married in Essex 10 years later, with the dancer describing her as his “best friend”.
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