The reality star, who was on I’m A Celeb at the same time as Rebekah Vardy in 2017, admitted to being ‘terrified’ before asking his girlfriend Katherine to marry him

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Iain Lee proposed to his long-term girlfriend Katherine Boyle in Lake Como this summer(Image: @katherine_e_boyle/Instagram)

Former I’m A Celebrity contestant Iain Lee has shared the exciting news that he is engaged to his long-term girlfriend, broadcaster and producer Katherine Boyle, after a romantic proposal in Italy.

The comedian and radio star, 52, took to Instagram to reveal that he popped the question to Katherine on August 12 while the pair were holidaying at Lake Como.

He posted a photo of the couple beaming moments after the proposal, writing: “In case you’re wondering, as l’m sure everyone is, I proposed to @katherine_e_boyle on August 12th on Lake Como and for some strange reason she said yes.”

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His broadcaster partner happily accepted Iain’s proposal(Image: @katherine_e_boyle/Instagram)

He added: “This is seconds after it happened. We received a tepid round of applause from the person you can see faintly in the background.”

The former talkRADIO host also shared a second image of himself looking wide-eyed, joking: “That’s the face of terror of a man about to propose.” He also shared a heartfelt message with his fiancée, saying: “I love you and can’t wait to be your husband.”

Fans were delighted for the happy couple, and one congratulated them saying: “A piece of news that genuinely made me smile from ear to ear — there’s never enough joy in the world and I love that you’ve both found your person.”

Another wrote: “Wow! Jaw off the floor moment. Soo right but still a surprise. Lovely, congrats.” Even EastEnders star Shane Richie joined in, commenting: “Big congratulations to you both.”

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Iain appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2017 and came in third place(Image: James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

Iain and Katherine have been together since they met at BBC Three Counties Radio in 2012, and Iain has credited his partner with helping him through a mental breakdown, telling The Guardian : “She’s a remarkable human being and I am blessed that she’s my fiancée. I’ve put her through so much.”

Iain also shares two sons with his ex-wife, journalist Helena Wilkinson. Over two decades after he first rose to fame as the host of The 11 O’Clock Show — the late-night comedy that introduced audiences to Sacha Baron Cohen and Ricky Gervais — Iain has hinted at plans to revive the cult Channel 4 series.

According to The Sun, he revealed that he’s already been in touch with former colleagues from the original production, and has hopes of bringing it back by 2026.

After coming in third place on I’m A Celeb in 2017, where Iain spoke openly about his mental health struggles and later addressed tensions with campmates including Rebekah Vardy, the radio personality decided to step away from mainstream media.

In 2023, he announced his plans to retire from broadcasting and pursue his newfound passion for counselling. He told fans that after 30 years in radio, he had grown “really tired” of the industry and wanted to dedicate himself to helping others through therapy.

After qualifying as a counsellor in late 2022, he launched Iain Lee Counselling, where he now works with clients privately. Before stepping away from his position at Jack FM, he told fans: “It’s been 30 years in the industry and I’m really tired. So, onto new and better adventures.”