Alison Hammond is engaged to landscaper Ben Hawkins, her future father-in-law has confirmed.
In an exclusive chat with Web, Colin Hawkins, 72, said wedding bells are on the horizon for the couple after they both “proposed”.
When asked if Ben and Alison were engaged, Colin replied, “I know they both proposed, but I’m not aware of any rings.”
He also said Alison, 48, was the “nicest woman we’ve ever met” and how happy the pair are.
It comes after the loved-up couple were photographed together for the first time last Monday as she left Ben’s house in a green dress and camouflage coat.
The This Morning star is said to have fallen in love with Ben – who was pictured at his home in Birmingham today – after hiring him almost two years ago to tend to her garden at her West Midlands home.
Romance: Alison Hammond is engaged to landscaper Ben Hawkins, her future father-in-law has revealed
Love: Chatting exclusively to Web Colin Hawkins, 72, said wedding bells are on the horizon for the couple after they both “proposed” (Ben is pictured at his home today).
It is believed that they have been together for about a year and a half now.
Speaking at his family home in Redditch, Ben’s father Colin said: “They are really happy but they haven’t settled everything yet, but they are both talking about getting married, that’s true.
“What I do know is that when it happens, none of us will know because it’s happening privately. They told me that much.
“I love Alison more than anything. She’s the nicest woman we’ve ever met. I would love to tell you a lot of stories and they are all good but I can’t because she asked us to keep things private.
“If you go to her in trouble, she will help you, that’s just the way she is. I know they will make it and I won’t be there to see it, but it will be a very proud day for me. I will be Alison’s father-in-law and that will be nice.”
Alison representatives have been contacted by Web for comment.
It was previously revealed that she had a mystery man whom she “wanted to marry”.
The fun-loving TV presenter is said to have hired Ben to handle the storyline at her West Midlands home two years ago and the couple hit it off.
The Sun claimed the duo were also spotted together again on Valentine’s Day.
Wedding bells: When asked if Ben and Alison were engaged, Colin replied, “I know they both proposed, but there are no rings that I know of.”
Casual: The trader looked casual in a navy tracksuit as he stepped out near his home in Birmingham on Monday
A pal told the publication: “They love to spend time and have been out to dinner and to the pub. They’re both down to earth and hit it off like a house on fire.
“She makes him laugh and Alison thinks it’s cute that he still lives with his parents.”
Ben, who lives with his parents, is said to be madly in love with Alison and she previously said of her husband, who was an enigma at the time: “He loves me to my core.
“He absolutely adores me and massages my feet every day.”
Alison recently teased her fans about her love interest, telling them she was ready to marry her “mystery man”.
The former Strictly star described him as “handsome” and told ITV’s This Morning how she “hid him for a year and a half”. . . and no one knew!’
Going strong: They are believed to have been together for around a year and a half (Ben pictured on Monday)
‘He makes my heart sing’: Alison said she was happier than ever with her then-mystery boyfriend on Lorraine in June
Alison revealed she was “off the market” in May last year when her This Morning co-host Dermot O’Leary, 49, revealed she had a boyfriend while on the show.
Dermot said to Alison: ‘You’re not available anymore but if you were, my goodness, what a catch!’
Alison said, “What do you mean I’m unavailable? I am available!’
After the presenters discussed her relationship status, Alison teased, “Is there someone in my life?” to which Dermot remarked, “I think so!”
A giggling Alison joked, “Can you believe Dermot outed me on TV?”
A beaming Alison then joked that her co-host “told the whole world”.
The duo then burst out laughing before Alison told ITV viewers: “I’ve got someone guys I’m off the market I’m so sorry guys!”
Dude: This came after Dermot O’Leary spilled the beans over Alison’s relationship status live on air (pictured together on the joint show in May).
Former flame: The presenter previously dated her security guard Jamie Savage from 2014 to 2017 (pictured with Alison’s son Aidan)
Ex-husband: Alison was formerly married to taxi driver Noureddine Boufaied, with whom she shares 18-year-old son Aiden
The following month, ex-reality star Alison revealed she was happier than ever with her secret boyfriend.
She said her mystery husband “makes her heart sing,” before going on to say that she prefers to keep details of her personal life to herself.
Speaking about an episode of Lorraine, Alison beamed from ear to ear as she discussed her boyfriend.
She told host Lorraine Kelly, 63: “He makes my heart sing and I feel content, he enriches my life in ways I can’t explain.”
Alison was previously married to taxi driver Noureddine Boufaied, with whom she shares 18-year-old son Aiden.