Ashley Banjo breaks silence on split from wife after 16 years of …
Ashley Banjo has broken his silence after splitting from his wife, Francesca, after 16 years. The 34 year old Diversity star, who announced he was divorcing his childhood sweetheart in a joint statement in December, said he is simply focusing on his children Rose, three, and Micah, two. Talking to the Daily Mail, he said: "At the end of the day, for me, when it comes to my life my children are my priority.
Looking after my family and making sure they're happy and their lives are good is number one." Ashley and Francesca had been together for 16 years - since they were teenagers - and got married in 2015. But on December 22, the pair released a joint statement on their Instagram pages announcing they had gone their separate ways.
Ashley Banjo has said he is focusing on his children after his split from wife Francesca (Image: Instagram/ashleybanjo)
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
It read: ""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. "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.
The couple have two children together, but have gone their separate ways after 16 years together
"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."
The couple have two children Rose and Micah (Image: Instagram/Francesca Banjo)
The sad news of his split arrives shortly after Ashley received an MBE from Princess Anne back in October, after his heavy campaigning on behalf of racial equality. Ashley was named in the New Years' Honours list and commented at the time how "humbled and extremely proud" he felt to have been recognised in such a manner.
"It really is the ultimate accolade.
It's something I never saw coming and for my mum and dad to see this moment means the world," he added.
READ MORE: