Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley get engaged

Daybreak presenter Christine Bleakley and Chelsea star Frank Lampard have become engaged (GETTY IMAGES)

Daybreak presenter Christine Bleakley and Chelsea star Frank Lampard have become engaged.

The couple began dating in 2009 after meeting at an awards event.

Midfielder Lampard made a "surprise" proposal while the couple enjoyed a break in Los Angeles.

A spokesman for Bleakley said today: "I am pleased to confirm that Christine Bleakley has accepted Frank Lampard's surprise engagement proposal in LA.

"They are obviously both delighted but there are no immediate wedding plans and the couple will not be making any further comment on this happy and private occasion."

Lampard has two children from a previous relationship with Elen Rivas, his ex-fiancee. They split in 2009.

Speaking about their relationship in an interview, Bleakley, 32, said: "We enjoy our own little home life: cooking together, lighting candles, watching TV - and going to bed rather early. We're very compatible."

The ITV1 presenter said she and her fiancee - who is 33 next week - tended to shun the usual showbiz haunts and prefer to go "under the radar" to local restaurants.

She said it had been "quite an old-fashioned courtship".

Lampard's agent Steve Kutner described it as a "surprise engagement proposal".