Ashley Banjo Announces Separation From Wife After 16yrs Of Marriage

Divorce rates around the world are alarming. It has become more widespread in today’s society.

After so many years, “people just move in different directions,” Ashley Banjo stated as he announced his separation from Francesca Abbott.

The 34-year-old dancer gained notoriety as the director of the Diversity dance group, who took first place in the third season of Britain’s Got Talent.

On Thursday, Banjo wrote on his Instagram story that he had some personal news to share. He 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 the 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.

“Rose and Micah in a happy and healthy 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 comments on the situation.

“Thank you… Lots of love, Ash and Chess x”

The same statement was published to Abbott’s Instagram story, who is a member of the dancing troupe’s management team.

In October 2014, the couple made their engagement public. They got married the following year. They share two children, daughter Rose and son Micha.

Following their BGT victory, Diversity went on tour in the UK, playing to larger audiences, and Banjo and his brother Jordan Banjo started working as panelists and presenters on regular TV shows.

After the music mogul hurt himself while riding an electric bike in August 2020, Banjo was named as Simon Cowell’s replacement on the BGT judging panel, completing the circle of his career. He served as the host of an ITV show about the British civil rights movement and his own life in June 2021 in honor of Black History Month.

In the 2022 New Year’s Honours, Banjo received an MBE for his contributions to dancing.