Celebrity News

Shortland Street star Ben Barrington proposes to longtime girlfriend

He's off the market!

Sorry girls, Shortland Street heartthrob Ben Barrington is off the market!

The handsome actor, who plays Dr Drew McCaskill on our favourite soap, has proposed to his gorgeous long-time girlfriend Kristie Fergus – and quelle surprise, she said a big “Yes!”.

As reported exclusively in the latest issue Woman’s Day, it was a picture-perfect sunset at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi when Ben, 41, popped the question, and slipped a diamond sparkler on to Kristie’s finger.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so happy,” says chuffed Ben. And his 38-year-old bride-to-be confesses to shedding a few happy tears.

The couple have been together for five years after meeting in a bar in 2013 and feeling an instant connection. And last year, they added daughter Harley to the family, which includes Kristie’s son Oliver, 15, from a previous relationship.

Oliver was one of the first to know about Ben’s engagement plan, and Kristie hopes the proud teen will walk her up on the aisle with her dad on her wedding day.

“And Harley will be old enough to be the flower girl,” she smiles.

Wedding planning is now well underway, and Kristie says she’ll happily take the reins.

Ben, who has also starred in Almighty Johnsons and Offspring, says, “Just let me know the date and I’ll be there!”

For the full story and exclusive photos, see this week’s Woman’s Day.

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