On-stage proposal during panto at Greenock's Beacon Arts Centre

Lee Samuel, 37, who plays Boabby Blumenthal in this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast at Beacon Arts Centre, was taking his final bow when boyfriend Lee Johnston appeared from behind the curtain and got down on one knee.

He popped the question in front of the packed theatre, with audience members cheering as Mr Samuel said yes.

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Social services student Lee Johnston, 30, also ensured both men’s friends and family were there to share in the special moment on Sunday night.

He said: “Lee had no idea I was at the pantomime on Sunday night – he thought I wasn’t coming until later in the run.

“I worked with the panto’s director Beth Morton and the rest of the cast to plan the whole thing.

“I wanted the proposal to be special and to take him totally off guard, and I think I achieved that.

“Being on stage, especially in panto, is what Lee was born to do. He loves it so much, which is why I decided to do it there.

“When I first met him I was in awe of him being an actor and being on stage.

“We both love panto and Christmas – it’s our favourite time of the year, so it just made sense.”

The pair, from Yoker, Glasgow, have been together for two-and-a-half years.

It is Samuel’s ninth consecutive year appearing in Inverclyde’s annual panto, which is the highlight of the year at the Beacon.

He stars alongside Still Game favourites Jane McCarry and Mark Cox, as well as River City’s Jimmy Chisholm.

Lisa McRuvie, marketing manager at Beacon Arts Centre, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to help Lee organise the perfect proposal for our amazing panto cast member Lee Samuel.

“It was a magical moment for all involved and we are over the moon for the happy couple.

“Everyone at Beacon Arts Centre wishes them well for the future.”

The panto, which has been produced in-house at the Beacon, runs until Hogmanay and tickets can be booked at www.beaconartscentre.co.uk.