A COUPLE who met through a dating website for Monty Python fans have become engaged after a marriage proposal involving two stars from the show.

John Wood, the UK's biggest Python fan, started Pythonesque Dating himself, keen to find a kindred spirit and believing a shared love of its humour was a good way of match-making.

Based in East Grinstead, Sussex, the 57-year-old social media manager was thrilled to be the first to find his soul mate through it - Gemma Harris, an art history graduate from Netheravon.

And earlier this month, Gemma said 'yes' after John popped the question in front of two of their idols, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam.

The stars were being interviewed by comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar at the Roundhouse in North London as part of a show called An Englishman, an American and an Indian walk into a bar.

Gemma whose father lives in Durrington said: "It was on February 5, my 33rd birthday.

"Both Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam were talking about their lives and interests, raising money for the venue.

"It turned out John had wanted to propose on stage as part of the show but he wasn't allowed to do that so he proposed at the VIP after party that we also had tickets to.

"It was right at the end when people were starting to leave and he just managed to do it in time, he was so nervous.

"It was a shock when I saw him get the box with the ring out of his pocket, I didn't know anything about it whatsoever but it explains why he had been very secretive and quiet that day."

John whose first wife disliked the surreal comedy has featured in the nation’s headlines on numerous occasions for his love of it, being recognised for not only knowing more about the pythons than they do themselves but also having made a life out of following his passion.

John and Gemma fell in love two-and-a-half years, spending their first date watching the live Monty Python show at the 02 Arena. Later ones included seeing Spamalot for the 17th and 18th time, and visiting Doune Castle in Scotland where Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed.

They happy couple have yet to decide on a wedding date but can confirm there will be some reference to their favourite show.