Wolverhampton singer Liam Payne set to tie the knot with girlfriend Maya Henry

The former One Direction singer, who rose to fame through reality TV show The X Factor, popped the question with a diamond ring that reportedly set him back £3 million.

Liam, age 26, grew up in Bushbury but was seen out with Texan-born model Maya, 20, in London earlier this week – with Maya sporting the new ring.

He attended St Peter’s Collegiate School before heading to Wolverhampton College to study music technology.

News of their engagement has remained under wraps largely because the big proposal took place during lockdown.

There were rumours back in February that the pair had gone their separate ways, but it was confirmed they both were trying to stay out of the spotlight and off social media.

They weren’t seen in public together for several months, only being spotted this summer.

In June, they united in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests in London, holding hands and donning black ensembles as they walked among the crowds. The pair were first linked back in August 2018 shortly after Liam’s high-profile split from Cheryl, 37, with whom he shares son Bear, three.

However, they first set eyes on each other three years earlier, when they were pictured together at a meet-and-greet event when One Direction fan Maya was 15. It wasn’t until September 2019 that Liam publicly spoke about his romance, while promoting his single Stack It Up.

Shortly after, Liam made things Instagram official, uploading a snap of him laughing and hugging Maya.

Captioning it, he wrote: ‘Sometimes I don’t recognise this happy guy… sure glad you brought him back though. Thank you for always keeping the biggest smile on my face through all the stress and making me realise how perfect my life really is.”

Model Maya is the daughter of Thomas J. Henry - a Texan lawyer who amassed his wealth running his own personal injury firm.