Oh yes I will!

Phil pops the question

A panto proposal in front of a live audience saw one star of “Aladdin” get his very own happy-ever-after.

Phil Carroll, 35, took to the Middleton Arena stage as the Sultan in the festive show with an extra special Christmas wish — to ask his girlfriend Sarah Wood to be his wife.

And Sarah said “Oh yes I will” in front of a packed audience.

Phil, originally from the Orkney Islands, moved to Manchester 12 years ago to join the Northern Ballet School.

He met his fiancé six years ago while they were both working on a cruise ship and moved to Chadderton to be with her two years later.

He said: “For months, I’d wanted to propose to her in a memorable and special way.

“When I found out in September that I’d got the role of The Sultan, I knew it had to be now.

“I asked the producer and director if I could propose on stage and bought the ring months ago, so I was prepared but still a nervous wreck on the day.

“You never know how a live audience is going to react or how your emotions will be, I was worried that I’d burst into tears in front of everyone.”

Sarah thought she was being brought on stage to be wished happy birthday, as she celebrates her 29th on Christmas Day.

Instead, Phil got down on one knee and produced the specially-designed diamond engagement ring.

Sarah, who is also a performer but is currently studying a speech therapy degree, said: “At first I was embarrassed and shocked because it was in front of so many people, but I said yes. There were women in the audience crying. It’s fantastic being engaged and really nice to have a bit of a tale to tell at Christmas.” 

The couple will marry on August 4 in Derbyshire.