Fleur East announces engagement to boyfriend Marcel Badiane-Robin

Announcing their happy news with a photoshoot and interview in Japan, a bucket list destination for the couple, Fleur recalls how the fashion designer got down on one knee in their Tokyo hotel room and presented her with a yellow diamond ring. "I said yes immediately!" beams the star. "How Marcel did everything was just wonderful. We're in a really traditional Japanese hotel and there were petals on the bed and champagne – when we first got here I was like, 'Oh my goodness, this hotel goes above and beyond!' Then I turned around and he was there, with the ring. He said: 'Fleur East, will you be my wife?'

"I couldn't believe it. The ring is so beautiful and yellow is my favourite colour. Me and Marcel have been together for nine years so we've spoken about marriage a lot, and he knew exactly what I wanted. It's perfect. I cried instantly."

Fleur, who shot to fame when she came runner up in the 2014 series of X Factor, mentored by Simon Cowell, smiles: "Marcel is very romantic. He always has been, throughout our relationship, but he picks and chooses his moments. When he does go all out, he doesn't spare anything. So I wasn't surprised by the proposal – but at the same time I still feel overwhelmed by it."