Ashley Banjo and wife Francesca share statement announcing split after 16 years
They were childhood sweethearts
Ashley Banjo has announced his separation from his wife Francesca Abbott after seven years of marriage. The Diversity founder, who won Britain's Got Talent with the dance group in 2009, announced the split from his childhood sweetheart had happened 18 months ago in a joint statement on Instagram.
They wrote: '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.'
The former couple, who share daughter Rose and son Micah, continued: '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.'
They added that they had 'moved in different directions, writing: '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.'
Ashley will be spending six months on tour with Diversity, visiting venues up and down the UK. The tour, entitled 'Supernova', will see the group perform 64 dates beginning in October 2023 and finishing in April 2024. Tickets are on sale at Aloud.com.
See which other celebrity couples split in 2022:
Denise Van Outen and Eddie Boxshall
Following a seven-year relationship, Denise Van Outen confirmed in January she'd split from her fiancé Eddie Boxshall.
Denise released a statement confirming the sad news, saying: "Over the past couple of months, there has been much speculation regarding my relationship with Eddie. It saddens me to confirm that we are no longer a couple. I had to make the difficult decision not to continue in our relationship."
Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet
Following 16 years together, Aquaman actor Jason Momoa and his actress wife Lisa Bonet announced their split in a joint statement in January.
The pair have two teenage children together.
Alan Carr and Paul Drayton
Comedian and TV host Alan Carr split from his husband Paul Drayton in January, after 13 years together.
A statement released to the PA Agency read: "After 13 years as a couple and three years of marriage, Alan Carr and Paul Drayton would like to announce they are separating.
"They have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go their separate ways.
"We request that their privacy is respected at this sensitive time."
Helen Skelton and Richie Myler
Just four months after welcoming their baby girl, Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton announced she's split from her husband Richie Myler.
She wrote on her Instagram Story: 'Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co parent our small children.'
Shakira and Gerard Pique
After 12 years together, music star Shakira and footballer Gerard Pique announced they'd split. The pair released a statement reading: "We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we request respect for (our) privacy. Thank you for your understanding."
Amanda and Clive Owen
Our Yorkshire Farm's Amanda and Clive Owen released a joint statement in June 2022, revealing they've decided to split after 22 years of marriage.
The couple, who share nine children, revealed they will work on the farm and co-parent their children together.
Paddy and Christine McGuinnessPaddy and Christine McGuinness
After weeks of speculation, Paddy and Christine McGuinness released a joint statement in July to announce they'd decided to split. The pair confirmed they will continue to live together for the sake of their three autistic children.
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson
After nine months of dating, Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson split in August 2022. A source close to the pair told E! News: "They have lot of love and respect for each other, they found that the long distance dynamic and their demanding schedules made it really difficult to maintain a relationship."
Adam Peaty and Eirianedd Munro
Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty released a statement in August to reveal he'd split from his girlfriend of three years, Eirianedd Munro. The couple shared their son George together.
Tyler Stanaland and Brittany Snow
After just two years of marriage, Selling The OC's Tyler Stanaland and Pitch Perfect actress Brittany Snow called time on their relationship.
Tyler said on Instagram: 'After time and consideration, Britt and I have made the difficult decision to separate. This decision was made with love and mutual respect for one another. We have realized we need to take some time and make sure we are each living our most fulfilling and authentic lives. We started this journey as best friends and our relationship will continue to be a priority not only for us but for our dog Charlie. We sincerely appreciate your support and ask for privacy as we navigate this new chapter.'
Example and Erin McNaught
After 11 years of marriage and two children, DJ Example (AKA Elliot Gleave) and his wife Erin McNaught announced they'd split. Example released a statement revealing the pair are still friends and are co-parenting their two children.
Luca Bish and Gemma Owen
Love Island 2022 runners-up Luca and Gemma announced their split on Weds 16th Nov. Gemma shared a statement to her Instagram Story, writing: 'It wasn't an easy decision but ultimately this is what is best for us both right now.' Luca responded with his own statement, writing: 'I would have liked some time to process this privately but as you all already now know sadly Gemma and I made the mutual decision earlier today to go our separate ways.'
Matt Jameson and Daniel McKee
MAFS UK stars Matt Jameson and Daniel McKee revealed in December 2022 that they had split amicably, admitting that they realised they were better as friends. They shared the news with a touching joint post on Instagram, the same night the MAFS Christmas Reunion aired on E4, which they were both absent from.
Ashley Banjo and Francesca Abbott
Diversity performer Ashley Banjo and his wife Francesca Abbott announced their split in a joint statement in December 2022, revealing they'd actually decided to part ways 18 months earlier.
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