James Corden gets engaged

James Corden

Dad-to-be James Cordon surprised his pregnant girlfriend Julia Carey with a proposal on Christmas Day (25.12.10).

James Corden has proposed to his pregnant girlfriend Julia Carey.

The 'Gavin and Stacey' star - who started dating the 32-year-old blonde beauty last year after being introduced by his former flatmate Dominic Cooper -made the surprise proposal on Christmas Day (25.12.10) by hiding the ring in Julia's stocking.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "James has been plotting the proposal for four months and wanted it to be perfect. He did the traditional thing and asked Jules's father for his blessing first, which he received.

"James loves Christmas, it's always been his favourite day of the year. Consequently he decided to propose on December 25, when Jules was least expecting it. He had a ring specially cut - a gorgeous diamond baguette - and put it in a box at the bottom of her stocking, right next to the satsuma and chocolate coins."

The star then whisked his new fiancee off on a lavish holiday to the Maldives to celebrate.

James, 32 - who has previously dated Sheridan Smith - recently revealed he couldn't wait to become a father early next year.

He confirmed Julia's pregnancy, saying: "It's true. We're both absolutely over the moon. We really couldn't be any happier."