Signs Ashley Banjo had split from wife as he announces secret 18 ...

Diversity star Ashley Banjo and ex-wife Francesca kept their split hidden for 18 months, but there were hints for eagle-eyed fans.

The pair, who share two young children, had moved in different directions, they said, but continue to try and be "best friends to each other."

The Dancing on Ice judge, 33, and Francesca, a dancer, said in a joint statement on Instagram that daughter Rose and son Micah will be their focus.

While the announcement may have seemed out of the blue, there were in fact several hints that the pair had gone their separate ways.

For one, Ashley didn't take Francesca with him to collect his MBE in October, going with his mum instead, sharing the snaps of the day on social media.

And while the TV presenter thanked his family in his post, he didn't mention Francesca by name.

He wrote: "So I went to Windsor Castle with my mum to pick up something a little bit special today...Humbled, greatful and feeling hopeful for the future. Thanks again to everyone that has supported me, my team and my family over the years. Onwards and upwards. Ashley Banjo MBE."

Francesca's congratulatory comment also suggests the pair are now platonic, as she wrote: "So proud of you dude... what a day xx".

She did not reply to a comment which asked: "Did you get to go ? Felt sorry that you had been excluded!!"

Despite their break up, it's clear the pair still support each other, as the last time Ashley shared a picture of Francesca was on Mother's Day in March.

Sharing a carousel of pictures which started with his mum, and then two of Francesca with their kids, he wrote: "Happy Mother’s Day @daniellebanjo42231 and @francescabanjo... Both of you are the best ever.

"After Rose and Micah I have a new found respect for my mum completely and as for Chess… I literally don’t know how she does it on a daily basis. Love and appreciate you both more than you."

Francesca replied with three love heart emojis.

The last picture Ashley posted of himself and Francesca was in January, and showed them both cuddling their kids.

In the post Ashley wrote about spending time with his children, tagging Francesca and writing: "You are a super woman to look after those kids like you do."

The last time Francesca posted a photo of Ashley was to wish him happy birthday on October 4, sharing one photo of the ex couple with their offspring, and then four of Ashley with the children.

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".

A few weeks later, on Halloween, she shared photos of Micah and Rose in their spooky outfits, with Ashley noticeably missing.

The ex couple tied the knot back on July 4, 2015 after the pair had been dating for 10 years.