Hugh Grant and Jemima KhanHugh Grant and Jemima KhanAlways the bridesmaid, never the bride... or groom, in Hugh Grant's case.

But could all that be about to change for the foppish actor?

It seems that eternal bachelor Hugh has gone and popped the question to his girlfriend, Jemima Khan.

There have been tales of late that Hugh and Jem were headed for splitsville, but apparently the pair have actually been secretly engaged for six months.

According to the Daily Mail, Hugh got down on one knee in Barbados at Christmas and proposed with a sapphire and diamond ring.

Loyal friends of the couple have kept schtum.

The newspaper quotes one friend as saying about the secrecy: "Everyone was thrilled and we expected them to make an announcement in due course.

Arun Nayar and Liz HurleyArun Nayar and Liz Hurley"Quite frankly, even they thought it would have got out by now.

"In fact, the secrecy added to the romance of it all."

Perhaps they'll have a double wedding with Hugh's ex, Liz, and beau Arun Nayar...