ECSTATIC Coronation Street star Sam Aston maybe unlucky in love on screen but his romantic marriage proposal to his sweetheart proves things couldn't be anymore different in real life.

The 23-year-old from Bacup passed on the good news to his fans after surprising his girlfriend Briony Gardner with a ring on stage at a charity event.

He is now set to wed his sweetheart, who he met five years ago at an acting workshop in Bury, in the not to distant future.

In 2011 Sam, who plays the unlucky in love Chesney Brown, protested he is nothing like the character he plays when his on-screen character became a dad with schoolgirl lover Katy.

Sam said then: “I'd be really shocked if I found myself in Chesney's shoes.

“I'm an uncle to seven nieces and nephews but I couldn't handle the responsibility of parenthood.

“Even in 10 years' time I can't see myself married with children.”

Those sentiments were possibly turned on their head as Sam hosted his annual charity golf event with Corrie pals Andy Whyment and Alan Halsall.

Briony shared a video of the magic moment on her Instagram page and spoke of 'floating in this bliss' after the proposal.

She said: “2 hearts have now become 1 as Sam and I are... ENGAGED!! (How is it possible I can even say that out loud?!) [sic].”

Briony added: “Sam got down on one knee at his annual golf do and proposed in front of 250 people and my heart could burst with happiness!!

“I can’t wait to marry my whole world but until then, I’m just floating in this bliss called love. I love you @SamAston93.”

A host of Sam’s Corrie pals rushed to congratulate the duo after he tweeted the news on Monday with an image captioned: “Me and my beautiful bride to be”.

Georgia Taylor said: “Oh how gorgeous! Congratulations, lovely xx”, while Kym Marsh said: “Ahhh yay, congratulations babe.”

Sam's joy contrasts strongly with the suffering of Chesney, who was left heartbroken when his ex-girlfriend Sinead left him for Daniel Osbourne in his most recent troubles.

Sam insists he is a romantic, saying: "I like to treat my girlfriend, buy her flowers and make a fuss of her."

Now he is to be married, the question is whether Sam at some stage shock his youthful self by becoming a father.