By Maureen Coleman.

Northern Ireland could be the setting for a massive showbiz wedding after it was revealed that Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard have become engaged.

The Chelsea footballer popped the question in what Christine's agent has described as a 'surprise proposal' while the couple were holidaying in LA.

At this stage it is not known when or where the wedding will be. But the Newtownards woman has made no secret of the fact that she would like to tie the knot in her native Northern Ireland.

For months now there has been speculation that the pair were talking about marriage and had even checked out the five star Galgorm resort near Ballymena. However management at the Galgorm denied that this was the case.

Frank had been spotted attending church with Christine near her home in Newtownards, fuelling speculation that a wedding was on the cards.

Christine's agent confirmed the news, saying :"They are obviously both delighted but there are no immediate wedding plans and the couple will not be making any further comment."

The Daybreak presenter and the Chelsea and England star have been going out together since 2009.

Frank was previously engaged to Elen Rives, with whom he had two daughters, while Christine was engaged some years ago to Dublin restaurateur Christian Stokes.

Christine's Daybreak colleague Tasmin Lucia Khan passed on her congratulations via her Twitter feed.

"Wedding news!! Congratulations to our lovely Christine who has got engaged to Frank Lampard in LA.

"He finally did it!"