It was just the perfect place to get engaged'

The Canadian Rockies provided a breathtaking setting for Vanessa Bauer to say yes to her boyfriend James Rowe

- ANNA POINTER

When professional skater and Dancing On Ice favourite Vanessa Bauer flew out to Canada for six weeks of filming and training recently, she knew to expect snow and subzero temperatures.

But she certainly didn't predict the magical moment that would see her return to the UK with a glittering diamond ring on her finger.

That's exactly what happened after Vanessa's football agent boyfriend James Rowe popped the question in the heart of the Canadian Rockies on 2 December.

Sharing their happy news with OK! just before Christmas, the thrilled couple reveal how James got down on one knee at Vermilion Lakes in Banff.

"It was such a dream," Vanessa, 29, tells us. "I've wanted to skate on the frozen lakes my whole life, so it was just the perfect place to get engaged."

The proposal was especially romantic as the couple witnessed a stunning, vivid orange sunset while on the ice. "It was crazy, because we went through a snowstorm as we drove there," explains Vanessa. "There was no hint it would be a nice evening, but the skies just opened up to give us the only sunset of the entire six-week trip."

After losing her beloved dad Marco in 2021 following a seven-year battle with cancer, Vanessa felt his presence in that special moment. "It was like a blessing from nature, and there must have been something behind it. It made it even more precious."

Although she accepted James's proposal without hesitation, she tells us, "I felt he was so far away when he was on his knees. I just wanted to hug him, so I was like, 'Yes, of course I'm going to marry you. Now come up here and give me a hug!'"