Jack seizes moment to propose on stage during Ghost

And loved-up Jack Richards seized the romance in the air when he took his girlfriend to watch Ghost The Musical – asking her to be his wife in front of the stunned crowd.

Jack kept his plan secret for weeks before popping the question, surprising his girlfriend of two years Michelle Hanlon during a New Year's Eve showing at Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre in front of around 1,000 people.

The 29-year-old, of Great Barr, had to arrange a series of subtle nudges and winks to staff members and pretend as if he was making an ill-timed trip out of the audience, so he could slip backstage before the show's end.

The Sandwell Council housing worker then appeared on stage after the cast took their bow. In front of an excited audience, he told Miss Hanlon, who was sat in the front row: "We've been together now for two years but I knew you were the girl for me after two weeks.

"When we were talking about proposals you said you wanted something grand and romantic. I couldn't think of anything bigger than this."

He then evoked one of the film's famous lines when he quoted Sam – Patrick Swayze's character in the Oscar-winning Ghost film – as he summed up his feelings for Molly – who was played by Demi Moore.

"I think Sam said it best when he said," added Mr Richards, before pulling open the buttons on his shirt to reveal the word 'Ditto' and a heart on the white T-shirt underneath.

He then asked for Michelle's hand in marriage and she said yes – sparking a huge round of applause and cheers from the audience.

Miss Hanlon, a Lloyds pharmacy worker, aged 26, said: "It was a bit of a shock. I was nervous because of so many people being around but I was glad they were behind me so I could keep my eyes on Jack."

Mr Richards said he was happy to pull off his 'cloak and dagger' proposal after talking through coping techniques for nerves with his work colleagues beforehand. He joked: "I still haven't seen the end of the show so I'll have to get the DVD now."

Andrew Lister, general manager of the theatre, said staff were delighted to help with the proposal.

He added: "The story of Ghost The Musical, which is a timeless fantasy about the power of love, really is the perfect backdrop for such a unique occasion.

"Everyone at the venue wishes them every happiness for the future."