Westlife's Kian to marry actress

Egan had said he would not propose on Christmas Day

Westlife star Kian Egan is to marry his actress girlfriend Jodi Albert, the couple have announced.

Egan, 27, made his surprise proposal to former Hollyoaks cast member Albert, 23, on Christmas Day.

He said: "I'm over the moon that Jodi said yes and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her."

The couple have been dating for more than four years and although a date has yet to be set, the wedding is expected to take place next year.

Egan made sure the proposal was a surprise - in an interview at the beginning of December, he said: "I don't think I will do it at Christmas. It's not that it's corny, I think it's lovely to do it at Christmas time. It's just that I have different plans."

The Westlife singer follows in the footsteps of bandmates Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne, who married their long-term girlfriends in 2003.

Mark Feehily is in a relationship with partner Kevin McDaid.