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X Factor’s Ben Haenow announces engagement to long-term girlfriend Jessica Jones

Time to buy a hat! X Factor winner Ben Haenow has announced his engagement to girlfriend Jessica Jones after eight years together.

The 31-year-old singer took to Instagram to share the happy news with his 365k followers on Sunday night, posting a simple black and white picture holding his girlfriend’s hand, showing off her sparkling diamond ring.

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Copyright [Instagram/benhaenow]

And since a picture speaks a thousand words, Ben decided to leave the romantic snap caption-less, but fans were quick to crack the (not so cryptic) code and congratulate the star.

Recollecting a memory of meeting the singer, one fan wrote: “Congratulations @benhaenow remember me & my hubby were talking to you on the sunborn in Gibraltar back in May & you said you were going to propose this year.”

As another added: “One lucky girl! Ben you’re gorgeous,” and one person commented: “Congratulations to you both. Lovely news.”

Fans have been waiting for an engagement announcement for some time, as Ben, who won the eleventh series of The X Factor in 2014, has publicly promised to propose on numerous occasions.

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Copyright [Dymond/Syco/Thames/Corbis]

The pair, who have been in a relationship for eight years, previously opened up about how Ben’s rise to fame put pressure on their relationship, as the vocalist admitted it had been “tough” while trying to focus on his music career.

Meanwhile Jess, a dance teacher from South East London, revealed to MailOnline at the time: “Our first date was a candlelit McDonald’s,” she giggled. “We haven’t had time for date nights recently.

“It has been hard not seeing him and contact has been difficult as he is so busy, but he calls and texts whenever he can and I always get a call before bed which is lovely.”

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Copyright [Getty/Tabatha Fireman]

In January this year it was announced that Simon Cowell had axed Ben just months after releasing his debut album, which debuted at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart.

Ben shared the news in an open letter on Twitter: “So I wanted to let you all know directly from me, that after what has been the most incredible experience working on my debut album, myself and Syco entertainment have decided to part ways."

However he remained positive about the change, adding that he was “excited about this next chapter.”

Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish you all the love and unbounded happiness in this new chapter of your life.