She IS the one Robbie Williams’s on-air proposal was real says his mother

Like the long rumoured on-off reunion with his old mates of Take That, there was uncertainty today whether singer Robbie Williams had embarked on a union of a different kind — marrying his girlfriend.

Although Williams's spokesman today initially said a proposal made live on breakfast radio in Australia had been a joke, his mother, Jan, said later she believed her son was going to marry his long-term girlfriend, Turkish-American actress Ayda Field, 30.

She's the one: Robbie with Ayda Field

Speaking to presenter Phil Williams on Radio 5 Live, Mrs Williams said she was busy shopping for an engagement card for the happy couple. "He wanted to do something different," she said. "She's a lovely girl and I'm really pleased for them. I've got a daughter-in-law."

Mrs Williams said she had known about her son's intention for about a week, so the news was "no surprise" when it came. Her confirmation contradicted a statement issued by Williams's spokesman who said: "He did say it, but he did it in a jocular manner. They are not engaged."

Rocking the DJ: Williams with 2DayFM's Jackie Henderson. She said: "I can't believe I am witnessing this moment."

Williams, 35, made the proposal to Field on Sydney's 2Day FM station's breakfast show yesterday. The story was widely reported last night and appeared in the early editions of today's Standard.

The singer, in Australia to promote his album Reality Killed the Video Star, was told by presenter Jackie Henderson that Sydney has a reputation for celebrity proposals and was asked if they would consider marriage.

After a few seconds of dead air, with Field calling the situation "awkward", Williams popped the question: "Will you marry me? I love you so much, would you mind being my betrothed until the end of time?"

Field replied: "I would love to be your betrothed until the end of time."

Miss Henderson said: "I can't believe I'm witnessing this moment."

Without a ring to offer, the radio presenter quickly removed what she termed her "froggie" ring.

"Give us your finger, kiddo," Williams said, and presented Field with the loaned ring.

For the remainder of the show, Williams maintained the proposal was genuine and accepted the congratulations of fans phoning in to speak with him. But when a caller asked what was the last lie he had told, Williams said: "I told one this morning ..." adding: I mainly just tell people the truth. With the exception of a few white lies here and there."