Ashley Banjo speaks out on ‘parenting guilt’ after split from wife of 16 years Francesca in heartfelt Loose Women interview

Ashley Banjo spoke about co-parenting and parenting guilt amid his juggling work schedules during an appearance on Monday’s Loose Women.

The Diversity and Dancing On Ice judge, 36, announced he and childhood sweetheart Francesca had taken the ‘difficult decision’ to separate with a joint statement in December 2022.

The former couple, who maintain a co-parenting relationship, shares daughter Rose, five, and son Micah, four. 

Asked by Judi Love if he ever feels any parenting guilt following his split from Francesca, Ashley insisted his priority is always his two children.

Speaking about the change in dynamic since their split, he said: ‘It has changed but I think that the side of it being a successful relationship in that way is the fact that for them, it hasn’t really.

‘I’m away, I’m busy, I’m working but any opportunity we get there is no struggles, there is no friction because ultimately their well being and being the best parents is genuinely first. 

Ashley Banjo, 36, spoke about co-parenting and parenting guilt amid his juggling work schedules during an appearance on Monday's Loose Women

Ashley Banjo, 36, spoke about co-parenting and parenting guilt amid his juggling work schedules during an appearance on Monday’s Loose Women

The Diversity and Dancing On Ice judge announced he and childhood sweetheart Francesca had taken the 'difficult decision' to separate with a joint statement in December 2022 (ex wife Francesca pictured with their daughter Rose, five, and son Micah, four)

The Diversity and Dancing On Ice judge announced he and childhood sweetheart Francesca had taken the ‘difficult decision’ to separate with a joint statement in December 2022 (ex wife Francesca pictured with their daughter Rose, five, and son Micah, four)

‘Our kids are our world.’

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline in 2023, just months after his split, Ashley revealed that co-parenting his two children alongside Francesca and ensuring their happiness is his number one goal in life. 

He said: ‘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.

‘Now they’re old enough, my children enjoy watching BGT performances on YouTube, they always get up Diversity performances and they want to watch their daddy, which is super cute, and I love watching the old performances with them.’

In their split statement, Ashley and Francesca 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 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.

The former couple, who maintain a co-parenting relationship, shares daughter Rose, five, and son Micah, four

The former couple, who maintain a co-parenting relationship, shares daughter Rose, five, and son Micah, four

Asked by Judi Love (R) if he ever feels any parenting guilt following his split from Francesca, Ashley insisted his priority is always his two children

Asked by Judi Love (R) if he ever feels any parenting guilt following his split from Francesca, Ashley insisted his priority is always his two children

Speaking about the change in dynamic since their split, he said: 'It has changed but I think that the side of it being a successful relationship in that way is the fact that for them, it hasn't really'

Speaking about the change in dynamic since their split, he said: ‘It has changed but I think that the side of it being a successful relationship in that way is the fact that for them, it hasn’t really’

He added: 'I'm away, I'm busy, I'm working but any opportunity we get there is no struggles, there is no friction because ultimately their well being and being the best parents is genuinely first'

He added: ‘I’m away, I’m busy, I’m working but any opportunity we get there is no struggles, there is no friction because ultimately their well being and being the best parents is genuinely first’

‘Raising Rose and Micah in a healthy and happy 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 comment on the situation.

They concluded: ‘Thank you… Lots of Love Ash and Chess x’

It comes after Ashley recalled the surreal moment he received a surprise phone call from Prince Harry.

The dancer spoke with Heat World, confessing he has met many stars and royalty over the years and has even received phone calls from them.

Discussing how he once spoke with Prince Harry, Ashley said: ‘I’ve met a lot of people.’

‘I’ve had a lot of people phone me before over the years, like Prince Harry and Elton John, but I haven’t got their numbers to give them a bell.’ 

He joked: ‘I should poach their numbers while I can.’ 

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