Rapper-turned-actor Ashley Walters proposed to his longterm girlfriend so their children could grow up in a "settled environment".
The former member of U.K. rap act So Solid Crew, also known as Asher D, popped the question to Natalie Williams last summer (10) and they are busy planning a wedding for 2012.
Walters admits he never planned to wed, but wants his four children - Shayan, China, Paniro and Antonia - to feel secure in their home life.
He tells Britain's The People tabloid, "She was delighted finally to be able to say yes to marriage. I've never been that keen on it, though we discussed it many times.
"I want my kids to feel they are part of a proper, structured family with a married mum and dad at the heart of it. So we're tying the knot in 2012.
"I'm painfully aware I didn't grow up in a settled environment. My dad was in and out of jail. I want it to be different for my children. I don't need a certificate to prove my love for Natalie, but I do for the sake of my children."