'Robbie proposal no joke'

Singer Robbie Williams is engaged to his actress girlfriend, his mother said yesterday. Mr Williams made an apparent on air proposal to Ayda Field on an Australian radio show which his UK representatives later dismissed as a joke.

However, speaking on Radio 5 Live, his mother, Jan Williams, confirmed her son had got engaged to his American girlfriend, adding she was "really pleased" for the happy couple. Mrs Williams, who was busy shopping for a congratulations card, said: "She's a lovely girl and I'm really pleased for them. I've got a daughter-in-law."

The former Take That star asked Ms Field to marry him live on Sydney's 2Day FM, sealing the deal with a makeshift ring loaned from the show's host, Jackie O.

Mr Williams said: "Will you marry me? I love you so much, would you mind being my betrothed until the end of time?" Ms Field replied: "I would love to be your betrothed until the end of time."

Without a ring to offer, the radio presenter quickly removed her "froggie" ring and offered it as a substitute. "Give us your finger, kiddo," Mr Williams said, and presented her with the loaned ring.

However, the surprise on air proposal left many wondering if the singer was being serious. Suspicions appeared confirmed when his representatives in the UK said: "He did say it, but he did it in a jocular manner - they are not engaged."