Ashley Banjo divorced his ex-wife Francesca Abbott last year, and he’s now speaking up about their new relationship.
The pair had a lengthy history together, having met as youngsters and subsequently married for 16 years. They celebrated many joyous occasions, including their marriage in 2015 and the subsequent arrival of two children, Rose, four, and Micah, two.
Despite their divorce, they’ve remained excellent friends and co-parent, frequently enjoying family trips together.
Coleen congratulated Ashley, 34, for having a healthy connection with Francesca, 36, for the benefit of their children during a recent appearance on Loose Women.
‘At the end of the day, that’s all that matters,’ he said.
‘We met when, well I was 16, I think people change and grow. We were babies. That’s not our babies’ fault.’
He added that they are aiming to create a positive atmosphere for their little ones by being united.
‘I think the most important thing for us is that we are doing that together. We’re doing the best to give them a wholesome, love-filled environment,’ he explained.
Although the Diversity winner and Francesca made their breakup public in December, they disclosed in a joint statement that they’d really split up 18 months previously.
‘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,’ they wrote.
‘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.’
The pair kept their commitment, even spending Christmas together. They also stood together when a troll chastised Ashley for calling Francesca a “guy.”