Confusion surrounds Robbie Williams' live radio proposal to his girlfriend - and the singer's mother insists it was not a joke.
The former Take That star appeared on Australia's Kyle And Jackie O Show with American girlfriend Ayda Field when he apparently popped the question.
His spokesman later claimed Williams said it "in a jocular manner" and that the couple were not engaged, but the singer's mother was adamant the proposal was genuine.
On Sydney's 2Day FM, Williams said: "Will you marry me? I love you so much, would you mind being my betrothed until the end of time?"
Field replied: "I would love to be your betrothed until the end of time."
Without a ring to offer, the radio presenter quickly removed her "froggie" ring. "Give us your finger, kiddo," Williams said, and presented her with the loaned ring.
The pair had been discussing how they got together at a party in Los Angeles, with Williams confessing he had been unimpressed with Field when they first met. He admitted that later that evening he soon got to see her real personality and fell in love.
But Williams' mother Jan said her son's proposal is genuine. Speaking to presenter Phil Williams on Radio 5 Live, she said she was busy shopping for an engagement card for the happy couple.
"He wanted to do something different," she said. "She's a lovely girl and I'm really pleased for them. I've got a daughter-in-law."
She said she had known about her son's intention for about a week so the news was "no surprise" when it came. When questioned on the absence of a ring, she replied: "We don't always have to have the ring, but there is one."
