London/Sydney- Confusion reigned Friday over whether British singer Robbie Williams' live radio proposal to his US girlfriend was the real thing or just a joke. In London, the star's spokesman said Williams' on air proposal to US actress Ayda Field had been nothing but a "joke," but the singer's mother insisted her son had popped the question and was engaged.
"I'm very excited. I'm really pleased. I have always wanted a daughter-in-law," Jan Williams told BBC Radio 5 live. He had told her about his plans a week ago.
The former singer with boy band Take That had earlier "proposed" to Field live on a Sydney commercial radio station.
"He did say it, but he did it in a jocular manner. They are not engaged," said his spokesman.
Williams confessed on a BBC talkshow recently that he was deeply in love with the 30-year-old actress.
He is currently in Australia on a concert tour to promote his new album, Reality Killed the Video Star.
The proposal came when Williams was told Sydney had a reputation for hosting celebrity weddings, as both Elton John and Michael Jackson had held impromptu weddings in the harbour city.
Neither marriage lasted.
"Is there anyone you want to get married to?" Williams asked Field. She replied: "This is so awkward." To which Williams said: "Will you marry me?"
After a pause, Field, 30, answered: "Yes, I'll marry you."
Williams borrowed a ring from the radio show host to slip on Field's finger and asked: "Would you be my betrothed until the end of time?" To which she responded: "I would love to be your betrothed until the end of time."
Whether the pair knew it or not, a betrothal is an engagement to be married rather than a marriage. What they actually committed to was an everlasting engagement.
