Thom Evans asked Nicole Scherzinger to marry him after a slap-up meal at a posh Portuguese restaurant.
The couple, who have been together for three years, enjoyed a lavish date at Casa de Cha da Boa Nova, set on rocks overlooking the Atlantic. The posh venue, which has two Michelin stars, has a tasting menu for two, with wine, that will set diners back a tasty £750.
Sources say Thom and singer Nicole were “in their own world” as they tucked into their fancy grub, before posing for a snap with head chef Rui Paula and his kitchen staff.
One insider tells us: “Nicole and Thom are a lovely couple. They enjoyed their meal with us, and were very complimentary – and posed for pictures afterwards. We’re thrilled to have played a part in such an important day for them, and hope to see them again in the future.”
Portuguese Rui is a celebrity in his home country, where he was voted National Chef of the Year in 2020 and has been a judge on the nation’s version of MasterChef since 2014.
His lavish 21-course menu at Casa de Cha da Boa Nova includes starters of oysters, followed by red prawns with kaffir lime, a seafood taco and an octopus curry dish.
Former X Factor judge Nicole and rugby union star Thom first met when he appeared on ITV’s celebrity version of the show in 2019.
The couple made their red carpet debut the following year.
In 2021, Thom opened up about their relationship and joked he was “massively punching [above his weight]”.
He said: “I’ve hit the jackpot. Nobody’s asking Nicole how she got with me because I’m massively punching. She’s so easy and fun to be around.”
But it seems that former Pussycat Doll Nicole is just as happy with Thom – as the pair this week announced their engagement in an Instagram post.
After sharing a picture of Thom down on one knee, Nicole simply wrote: “I said yes.”
Who says oysters aren’t an aphrodisiac?
