BRITAIN'S Got Talent star Ashley Banjo has broken his silence on his break-up with wife Francesca Abbott.
The Diversity dancer, 34 - whose dance troupe found fame on BGT - and his childhood sweetheart, 36, announced their split in December after 16 years together.
Ashley popped the question to Francesca back in 2014, with the pair marrying a year later and now sharing two children, Rose, aged four, and Micah, aged two.
Fans recently called out the star after he posted a birthday message to his ex following their split.
Yet he has kept a dignified silence on the difficult times until now, choosing to open up on his changed-up home life.
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He told MailOnline: "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."
Teasing a return to the show which Diversity won 13 years ago, he added: "I'm not sure if we will be performing on the show this year but we are trying to make schedules work and it is definitely on the cards."
It is the first time the Dancing On Ice judge has spoken openly about the break-up.
Last year, taking to Instagram to announce the split, Ashley explained the couple decided to part ways 18 months ago.
In a joint statement, the pair 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 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.
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"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. Thank you, lots of love, Ash and Chess x"
