Britain's ugliest man has become engaged to a woman who thinks he's "gorgeous".

Budding actor Hilary Reeves, a star of the Uglies Modelling Agency, prides himself on being a Gollum lookalike and even popped the question to Amanda Solomon in the voice of the boggled-eyed monster from Lord Of The Rings.

Despite having a face that "makes children cry", the 47-year-old got an instant "yes" from Amanda, who lives with him in Southwick.

Still admiring the engagement ring he slipped on her finger, Amanda said: "People say he's ugly, but I think he's gorgeous. He got down on one knee and proposed but in the style of Gollum.

"He said to me, 'Would you do me the greatest pleasure of becoming my wife, my precious?' I could not believe it but I said yes. I can't wait to get married."

Hilary's proposal came on-air as they talked about their relationship to TV chatshow host Trisha Goddard.

The show will be aired on Channel 5 next month. Amanda said: "We met three years ago when Hilary was playing the Beast in Beauty And The Beast and I was the panto prompt.

"It wasn't exactly love at first sight but he was such fun that I fell for him.

"He was also an amazing actor and there was so much more to him than his looks."

But Hilary admits his face has scared plenty of people off over the years. He said: "I've been on trains when mums have pulled their children closer to them.

"People have stood up and moved to other carriages.

"And children have cried in the street after one look at me.

"I suppose it gives you thicker skin if people shout names."

Hilary and Amanda, a conservation worker with a wildlife trust, first met in a Beauty And The Beast production.

They expect to tie the knot next year.

She said: "We will get married and have all our family and friends around us. It will be lovely. Everyone who knows us can see that beauty really is skin deep.

"He is a wonderful person and I couldn't be happier. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and to me he is truly beautiful."