It’s been reported today that Loose Women star Denise Welch has become engaged to her ‘toyboy’ lover Lincoln Townley.

Denise – who formerly starred in Coronation Street and Benidorm alongside former husband Tim Healy – said she is “absolutely thrilled” that she and Lincoln are to tie the knot next July.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Denise said, “I had no idea the proposal was coming.”

A source close to the couple added, “Lincoln knew fairly early on that Denise was ‘the one’ and, over the past few months, they have become inseparable.

“After breaking up from Tim, Denise thought she would never marry again. She never reckoned on falling in love so soon.

“This past year has been incredibly hard but Lincoln has been an absolute tower of strength…

“He planned the proposal with military precision and even asked for Denise’s dad’s blessing.

“It was completely unexpected and Denise was stunned but now she can’t wait to plan an amazing wedding.”

Denise formally announced the end of her marriage on ITV1’s Loose Women after reports of her affair with Lincoln appeared in the media while she was in the Celebrity Big Brother house earlier this year.

At the time, Denise revealed, “Tim and I separated some time ago. So I’m not having an affair.

“We have been living our own lives for some time now.”

Tim is also said to be dating at the moment, and the two remain “close friends.”

Congrats Denise and Lincoln! Shall I go buy a hat?