He's not often a man lost for words but Gino D'Acampo was caught out by a surprise proposal as he hosted a special event at his Newcastle restaurant.
The TV favourite was mid-flow during a question-and-answer session at the quayside restaurant when a diner took to the floor.
But, rather than ask a question of Gino, Anthony Lamb instead took the opportunity to pop the question to the woman at his side.
Read more: Gino D'Acampo hails Newcastle restaurant as his 'best'
Anthony's marriage proposal to unsuspecting partner Leisha Bolton stunned the room which then erupted into applause - led by Gino who, true to form, then spiced up the occasion with fun and freebies.
He was quick to offer his congratulations before presenting the duo with a bottle of Champagne "with his amore" and jokingly dropping to one knee.
The Italian chef was visiting the restaurant which bears his name at INNSiDE hotel on the quayside last week for two sell-out special events in the run-up to Valentine's Day, which involved a meet-and-greet with guests over a glass of his own prosecco, a four-course meal food and a book-signing.
It was during the live Q&A on Wednesday that Anthony interrupted to say he had a question he would like to ask - but of somebody else.
He then turned to 32-year-old Leisha, from Fenham, to propose, leaving the mother-of-two initially lost for words - but quickly able to say yes.
Gino led a round of applause and the four-star INNSiDE hotel also boosted the celebratory mood by offering Anthony and Leisha a complimentary room for the night.
Anthony said: “Myself and Leisha have always been big fans of Gino and follow all of his TV shows, in particular Gordon, Gino and Fred.
"When I saw that he was to return to Newcastle to host a night at his Quayside restaurant I was determined to get tickets as a surprise for Leisha.
"When our reservations were confirmed, I knew I had to seize the moment and make it a night we wouldn’t forget.”
Leisha added: “Anthony had joked throughout the dinner that he wanted to contribute to the guest Q&A but said he didn’t know what to ask.
"I kept telling him not to and so couldn’t believe it when I saw his hand rise into the air.
"When he got down on one knee and said the question was for me and not Gino, I couldn’t believe what was happening - I was speechless."
She added: "It was only when the restaurant started cheering that I was able to say yes – which was of course my only response!
"It was incredibly overwhelming.”
The couple first met in 2009 through mutual friends, hit it off immediately and have rarely been apart.
Over the years, they embarked on family life and Anthony said his love for Leisha continued to grow, leaving him convinced she was 'the one'.
Speaking about the memorable evening, Gino said: “I love coming to Newcastle - you Geordies know how to have a good time.
"Big love and salute to the happy couple, you made all our evenings extra special.”
Diners at the special event were in for another surprise at the end of their evening when they received a gift bag of Italian treats, including a gift voucher to be used in Gino’s restaurants.
Ahead of the event, Gino had unveiled plans to open an outdoor terrace at the restaurant in the spring.
He also has plans to open more branches of his restaurant in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Birmingham.
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