There was speculation today (Thursday) of a celebrity mid-Essex wedding after Prodigy star Liam Howlett got engaged to be married to All Saints star Natalie Appleton.

Liam, 29, who hails from Braintree, popped the question in London and Natalie said yes straight away.

The pair, who have been together since last summer, have yet to announce a date for the wedding but are hoping it will be some time next year.

Essex fans of both bands are keeping their fingers crossed that the love-struck couple may choose to tie the knot in Liam's home county of Essex.

Liam said: "We are thrilled to confirm the engagement. But we won't be setting a date until after we finish our albums."

They first got together after jetting off for a holiday in France last summer.

News of the engagement was leaked out when Natalie's eight-year-old daughter Rachel, who is starring in the new Tomb Raider film, told the movie's director.

Natalie's sister Nicole is expecting a baby with Oasis singer Liam Gallagher in June.

The Prodigy are currently working on their next album which is due to be released later this year.

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