Gynaecologist Alan Farthing was due to marry Miss Dando in September - plans that were tragically ended after a lone gunman shot one of the nation's favourite TV personalities on Monday afternoon.

"Needless to say he is in complete shock, as are we all," said Mr Farthing's father from his Dorset home. He said his son was called out of a clinic and told the dreadful news. He then had to go and identify the body.

The happy couple pictured in OK magazine

In a simple statement read out on the BBC's Nine O'Clock News on Monday, Miss Dando's 36-year-old fiancé expressed his devastation and incomprehension at what had happened.

"I am totally devastated and unable to comprehend what has happened," he said.

"Jill was respected for her professional abilities, admired by all who met her and adored by anyone who got to know her."

Blind date

The couple met in 1997 on a blind date organised by a friend of Miss Dando's. They got engaged in January this year and planned to move in together and get married in the autumn.

After a string of relationships that buckled under the pressure of work, it seemed Miss Dando had finally found her perfect match.

In March last year the couple's growing love for each other was captured in a photo showing them sharing a kiss on a ski slope at the resort of Villeneuve in the French Alps.

Diamond ring

Less than a year later, after a New Year's trip to Australia, Miss Dando was seen wearing a diamond solitaire on her wedding finger.

Then on 31 January, the couple announced their engagement at a party for family and friends at the Tier restaurant, near Mr Farthing's home in Chiswick, west London.

After the announcement a glowing Miss Dando said: "It is a very strong relationship. It's changed the way I look on life. When there are two of you, you have a lot more to share."

Mr Farthing, who is divorced and has no children, made the effort to spend as much time as possible with Miss Dando despite their busy careers.