Ashley and Francesca were together for 16 years

shley Banjo – who hosts the Pride of Britain Awards tonight (Thursday, October 23) – announced he had split from his wife and childhood sweetheart Francesca back in December 2022.

The pair exchanged vows in Essex in 2015, but had been together for 16 years. However, their marriage came to an end when they revealed in a statement that they were to divorce and had secretly been separated for a while.

Ashley and Francesca share two children — Rose and Micah.

Ashley married Francesca in 2016 (Credit: YouTube)

‘People just move in different directions’

In a joint statement at the time, Ashley and Francesca revealed they “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,” they explained.

“Sometimes after so many years, people just move in different directions,” they added. “We continue to try and be both the best parents possible and the best of friends to each other.”

‘My children are my priority’

After revealing that his marriage to Francesca had ended, Ashley opened up for the first time in April 2023.

“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,” he told the MailOnline.

Fans were less than impressed with Ashley’s nickname for Francesca

When Francesca turned 36 last year, she uploaded a glamorous snapshot of herself to celebrate her birthday.

In the comments section, ex-husband Ashley wished the mother of his children well, writing, “Happy birthday dude x.”

However, fans were turned off by him referring to Francesca as “dude” and felt a certain way about his ‘sore’ comment.

Francesca, on the other hand, clapped back at the negativity and defended Ashley. She said: “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.”

Francesca still supports Ashley’s career

Despite being split for some time now, Francesca and Ashley appear to be on very good terms.

And, when Ashley injured himself during his tour with dance group Diversity in February 2024, Francesca was on hand to show her support.

She took to the comments section of his post announcing the group had to postpone their show to share her support, posting two praying hands emojis.