Former Coronation Street actress Lucy-Jo Hudson has revealed she is engaged to her long-term partner Lewis Devine following a surprise proposal.
The 42-year-old, best known for portraying Katy Harris in the ITV soap between 2002 and 2005, shared the news with fans on Instagram yesterday evening.
Ms Hudson admitted the proposal caught her completely off guard, stating: "I'm still on cloud 9. 8 years, our blended family, and a moment I never saw coming."
The actress, who has also appeared in Casualty and Hollyoaks, explained that Mr Devine had been secretly planning the romantic gesture for months without her knowledge.
Alongside photographs showing off her diamond engagement ring, Ms Hudson expressed her joy at the unexpected moment that marked eight years together as a couple.
Mr Devine chose the Lake District as the setting for his proposal, a location that holds special significance for the pair as it was where their romance first blossomed.
Ms Hudson described how they spent the day walking through secluded gardens, reflecting on their journey together and discussing their children and future plans.
The intimate moment unfolded without any fanfare, with Ms Hudson recounting: "Lew just held me tight, telling me about how much he loves our kids, and how he can't imagine doing life without me... and then suddenly, he was on one knee."
The star shared the news to her fans on Instagram
|The actress admitted she was already in tears and accepted before Mr Devine had finished asking the question.
She emphasised the private nature of the occasion, writing: "No big audience, no big show, just us, and a quiet, perfect moment that meant everything."
The couple's relationship began in 2017 when they appeared together in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Theatre Royal in St Helens, Merseyside, where Devine played the character Muddles opposite Hudson's title role.
Their romance developed following Ms Hudson's separation from fellow Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, who portrays Tyrone Dobbs, after nine years of marriage.
Ms Hudson continued the celebrations on her Instagram Story
|Ms Hudson and Mr Halsall share a 12-year-old daughter, Sienna, whilst she and Devine welcomed their son Carter in 2020.
The engagement marks a new chapter for what Ms Hudson describes as their "blended family," having weathered challenges throughout their relationship.
She reflected on their journey together, writing: "After all our ups and downs, we've come out stronger, and now we get forever."
Fellow soap stars and celebrities were quick to offer their congratulations beneath Hudson's Instagram post.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Ms Hudson played Katy Harris on the ITV soap
|ITV
Former Coronation Street colleague Michelle Keegan wrote: "Awwwww gorgeous news!!! So so happy for you both! Congratulations darling xx."
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden added: "Omg. This is brilliant so very happy for you both angel xxx."
Ex-Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson, who worked alongside Hudson on the Channel 4 soap, commented: "Congratulations. So happy for you both xxxx."
Samia Longchambon, another Coronation Street cast member, offered her well wishes, writing: "Ahhh massive congratulations to you both Luce."
Fans also flooded the comments section with messages of support, with one follower praising Devine's choice of proposal, writing: "What a way to do it. Huge congratulations to you all." (Sic)
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter