Dave Berry proposed to the Sugababes singer on New Year`s Eve after six years of dating. He knew Heidi would say yes, but still agonised over choosing the perfect band for her.

"Some people just pick a cheap ring and then pick one together later but I wanted to do it properly," he said. "I went to [ London`s jewellery district] Hatton Garden one rainy afternoon. I spent hours walking around; I nearly went to the pub but I stopped myself because I wanted to keep a clear head.

"Eventually, I got it down to seven rings in a lovely little shop and four hours later I was still choosing. I eventually narrowed it down to a handmade one-off."

Dave hid the sparkler in his underwear drawer for weeks, unable to decide when to pop the question. Eventually he decided on New Year`s Eve, but had to stop himself wanting to propose every day until then.

"I had it hidden in the sock drawer for ages, but I was like a kid at Christmas, desperately wanting to give it to Heidi," he laughed to the British edition of OK! magazine. "I kept having to say to myself, `Don`t do it now while she`s watching Coronation Street !` "

The pair are planning to marry in London next October.
sections: Celebrities