Ashley Banjo and his ex-wife Francesca have reunited for a fun family Christmas Eve with their two young children to meet Santa and get in the festive spirit.
The Dancing On Ice judge, 31, and Francesca are children’s favorites and have been together for 16 years, married for seven – before announcing this week they had split 18 months ago.
But they didn’t let their split stop them from giving little Rose, three, and Micah, two, an exciting Christmas Eve at the Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm.
Co-parenting: Ashley Banjo and his ex-wife Francesca have reunited for a family-friendly Christmas Eve with their two young children to meet Santa and get in the festive spirit
Francesca shared it with her 110,000 followers on Instagram and thanked her followers for their “love and support” before wishing them a Merry Christmas.
She posted a short clip of her and Ashley smiling at the camera as the father of two holds his children in his arms.
The snap was taken just before they left for Marsh Farm in Essex.
In another clip she shared with her Instagram followers, Francesca compiled various parts of their special family day.
Split: They didn’t let their split stop them from giving little Rose, three, and Micah, two, an exciting Christmas Eve at the Santa Claus experience at Marsh Farm
“A little Christmas magic with a visit to the big man himself ❤️,” she wrote, while Ashley commented on a world and heart emoji.
The exes were praised in the comments section, where fans applauded their ability to co-parent.
One wrote: “Absolutely loving the co-parenting you both do for your kids. I’m totally in awe because me and my ex/two youngest’s dad just can’t make it.
“We are constantly at loggerheads and it’s sad for my two babies. I commend you both ❤.”
Festive: Francesca shared on Instagram with her 110,000 followers, thanking her followers for their “love and support” before wishing them a Merry Christmas
Similarly, another added: “Well done co-parenting!”, while a third said: “Wonderful how you and Ash are still able to stay so close and give your babies the best life possible ❤️ Merry Christmas everyone xx. ”
Just the day before Christmas Eve, Ashley and Francesca revealed the news of their split to their combined 1.1 million followers.
They both took to their respective Instagrams on Thursday to announce they had decided to split 18 months ago.
They wrote that their main priority would be raising their two children, Rose, three, and Micah, two, together.
Ashley and Francesca said: “After much thought and consideration, we both feel that now is the time to share some personal news.
Split: The Dancing On Ice judge, 31, and Francesca are childhood sweethearts and have been together for 16 years; They got engaged in 2014 and married in 2015
“Nearly 18 months ago we made the difficult decision to part ways. Having been together for over 16 years since we were teenagers, this is not an easy decision.
“It was not easy and the processing of the situation was by no means quick. But we believe it’s time to share this news with others as we approach the new year.
“Our main focus will always be our beautiful children. Every decision that has been made is meant to ensure that we can move on as a loving family and give the best of ourselves as parents.
Statement: Both took to their respective Instagrams on Thursday to announce that they had decided to split 18 months ago
“Raising Rose and Micah in a healthy and happy environment is the most important thing for both of us.
“Sometimes people just move in different directions after so many years, but we do so with love and continue to try to be both the best parents possible and best friends to each other.
“We have always been private with our private lives, so we ask everyone to continue to respect that privacy. We will not comment further on the situation.
They concluded: “Thanks… Lots of love, Ash and Chess x”
Francesca last posted to Ashley on her Instagram on October 4th to wish him a happy birthday.
Parenting: The couple said their main focus will be their two children, Rose and Micah, following their split 18 months ago
She wrote: “Happy birthday @ashleybanjogram. We love you more than we could ever say in a caption.
“Everything you do, everything you give and how tirelessly you work for us. Happy Birthday. We love you so much ❤️ xxxx’.
Ashley previously opened up about the couple’s “tough” road to conceiving and his excitement at becoming a first-time father during an interview with Lorraine.
Discussing his excitement of 10 at the impending birth, he said: “There’s no number.
“To be honest, it’s pretty surreal to me to think there’s a little baby banjo on the way, little girl.”
Speaking to The Sun earlier, Ashley admitted it was difficult when his busy schedule kept him away from his family.
Describing his life at the time as “amazing” raising children, he said: “You always hear the words that having children is life changing, but you never really know what it’s like until you experience it.
Breakup: Ashley previously opened up about the couple’s ‘tough’ journey to conceiving and his excitement at becoming a first-time father during an interview with Lorraine