The new `Superman` star proposed to his girlfriend Ellen Whitaker during a trip to Hollywood together and the overjoyed athlete had no hesitation in saying yes.

According to the Belfast Telegraph newspaper, she said: "I couldn`t believe it when he asked me to marry him. I thought we were there to celebrate his birthday. It was such a surprise and I am so happy."

The actor - who turned 28 on 05.05.11 - is reported to have called her father Stephen for her hand in marriage before he popped the question.

The happy news has now been confirmed by Henry`s representative to People magazine.

Ellen is currently in training to make the British showjumping team for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Henry is due to start shooting superhero movie `Superman: The Man of Steel` this summer in Vancouver, Canada, and US city Chicago and it is due for release at the end of 2012.
sections: Celebrities