A NEWPORT man played out his real life love story in front of 1,800 people when he proposed on stage at the Wales Millennium Centre.

Darren Peterson, 32, told his fiancée Ellie Hart, 29, he would be out with the boys on Boxing Day, leaving her to go to see Singin’ in the Rain with his mum.

With the help of front of house Manager Nathalie Wickens and the Singin’ in the Rain Production, Mr Peterson arranged the surprise proposal.

Just before the show was about to end, Miss Hart was invited on stage where Mr Peterson appeared in a yellow mackintosh to pop the question.

Musicals fan Miss Hart met Mr Peterson when he moved to Australia two years ago and settled in Perth.

They have been inseparable for 18 months and this Christmas he brought her to Newport to meet his parents.

Mr Peterson, originally from Somerton, said: “They say you know when you know, and with Ellie I knew pretty soon.

“She’s very caring. I knew straight away she was the one for me and I believe she felt the same.

“I was shaking like a leaf. In my mind’s eye, how I wished it would go – it was just like that. I think the word to describe it was perfect.”