The parents of south Essex star Denise Van Outen today said they knew nothing of her plans to wed millionaire Richard Traviss.

Denise, 28, was said to have accepted a proposal from boyfriend Richard, saying: "I am the happiest I have ever been."

The pair allegedly spent yesterday shopping for a diamond engagement ring at an upmarket jewellery store - with Richard reportedly planning to spend at least £75,000.

But today, at their home in Thames Crescent, Corringham, Denise's dad Ted said: "I know nothing about this.

"She certainly hasn't told us she is getting married."

He added: "We will be contacting her later to find out what is going on.

"We never comment on stories like this - they are all speculation."

It was reported that Denise, born and brought up in Stanford, had said yes immediately after her boyfriend proposed marriage.

Denise, who is starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End show Tell Me On a Sunday, made her name as a presenter on Channel 4's Big Breakfast.

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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