It’s been reported that Dancing On Ice judge Ashely Banjo may have to skip the show this week as his wife Francesca Abbott prepares to give birth to the couple’s first child.
The dancer has reportedly been given the go ahead from show bosses to drop everything if Francesca goes into labour.
According to the Mirror Online, Ashley hasn’t taken any time off work yet—but he’s ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
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A source told the publication: “Ashley is very professional and it’s business as normal at the moment,” their source said. “But if Francesca or the hospital calls when he is at the studio, he has permission to leave immediately.
“He is not going to wait around at home for it to happen but, equally, he is not going to miss the birth because of his judging job.”
The Mirror claims former judge Karen Barber could step in to cover Ashley if he needs to miss an episode of the hit skating show.
Entertainment Daily has contacted reps for Ashley and Dancing On Ice for comment on this story.
Ashley shared a shot of himself and Francesca to Instagram on Thursday, claiming they were both on tenterhooks waiting for the arrival.
View this post on Instagram
The image shows the couple in bed, Francesca cradling her belly and kissing Ashley on the head.
It was captioned: “Waking up early every morning – Just patiently waiting for the bump to become a baby… Any moment now… #babybanjo.”
The pair have both been sharing their excitement about their impending parenthood – with Valentine’s Day taking a backseat.
Francesca shared a Valentine’s Day selfie to Instagram, claiming they’d both forgotten about the day in their excitement over the baby.
“Happy Valentines Day @ashleybanjogram,” she said. “Even though we both only realised yesterday what today was.
“I think it’s fair to say our minds are on the ever growing bump and going from the 2 of us to the 3 of us.
“A caption can never do what we have justice but you are the most incredible husband and will be the most incredible father. I Love you always.”
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Ashley shared his own shot on the romantic holiday, anticipating the arrival of his daughter.
“Not long now until I get to have more than one crazy Banjo female rocking around the house,” he said.
“So blessed to have created a little human with you! I’m sooo excited! Now hurry up and do your hair so we can go out for dinner. Happy valentines @francescabanjo.”
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