TV presenter Nana Akua announced her bombshell engagement to ex-gangster Stephen Gillen live on air – the pair met during an interview about Gillen’s past life as a mobster
A TV news presenter announced her bombshell engagement to a reformed gangster live on air.
Nana Akua had been keeping GB News viewers in the dark about her mystery man until she finally blurted out that it was none other than ex-mobster, Stephen Gillen.
The pair met over two years ago when Nana was interviewing Stephen about how he’d turned his life around after spending 17 years of his life behind bars at a Category A prison rubbing shoulders with the likes of Charles Bronson and a slew of other mafia and organised crime figures.
The loved-up couple got engaged in Venice, Italy after Stephen splashed out on a huge ring which Nana showed off in a video filmed from their lavish hotel suite.
Addressing his past, Nana explained: “He was in prison many years ago, but he has transformed his life entirely.”
Her co-host, Ben Leo, then asked if Gillen was a “tough guy,” to which she replied: “He is a very tough guy, a very hard man, yes.”
Stephen who became a notorious figure in the criminal underworld was involved in heists, police shoot outs and brutal fights during his career.
Flitting in and out of jail since the age of 14, it was 1991 when a 22-year-old Stephen was given a 17-year sentence for his involvement in a crime operation that was thwarted by cops.
He moved prisons 25 times before eventually being released in 2003.
Once free, he decided to turn his life around and became a successful author and TV personality having just finished filming a series about the mafia with Ross Kemp.
Nana went on to share the story of their first meeting, which happened two years ago when she interviewed Gillen on GB News. “I remember thinking, ‘Why is this man so shy? What’s wrong with him? Speak properly’” she recalled with a laugh.
Their connection developed over time, and after Gillen parted ways with his previous partner, the two began dating.
When asked who made the first move, Nana revealed: “He chased me.”
Holding up her ring, she playfully remarked: “It looks like my dating days are over.”
A stunned Ben Leo admitted he was completely unaware, exclaiming, “Are you joking? Wow! Nana Akua is engaged, and she’s just announced it live on GB News.”
Nana had playfully teased viewers about the identity of her fiancé, suggesting that all would be revealed in time.
The television presenter opened up about her romantic engagement story, sharing how Stephen popped the question.
She revealed: “I was taken to Venice. It was literally the best proposal ever. It was in a palace, he knew that if he did that, I couldn’t say no.”
Earlier this week, the couple appeared on GBN together, telling Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello about their love story.
Revealing why he was “shy” upon first meeting Nana, Stephen said: “The truth is, Eamonn, I was in a relationship. I was very respectful, but I couldn’t help it. I kind of thought, wow, that’s a woman.
“When I wasn’t with that partner, went out after that and went from there. The rest is history, as they say.”
As Nana showed off her extraordinary engagement ring, Stephen recalled how he was in a “panic” after encountering a major issue with the ring, GBN reports.
He explained: “I got the stone first, which is always the wisest thing. Luckily, I have some friends in Hatton Garden who helped me with this. Some real good people who guided me, and I was very grateful.
“On the last day, I sorted out all this stuff, the surprise, it was quite stressful. And then the ring was too small. I had to rush all the way back to Hatton Garden, and I had two hours because we was flying out in the morning.
“So I don’t know anyone who has changed to a ring size in two hours, but I managed to get it done. It was a big panic in the end, but you know, I’m really thankful to my friends down there for helping me.”
When pressed by Ellie on when they will be getting married, the couple admitted they haven’t yet set a date, but have a time of year in mind.
Nana told GB News: “Maybe next summer, I like the sun.”
Gushing over Nana and Stephen’s news, Eamonn told the couple: “You’re with the right woman in terms of interviewing, talking and understanding and listening to you.
“And I’m sure it is quite obvious, seeing the gifts that Stephen brings to you, he makes you very happy. And you’re always smiling.
“We wish you all the best. It’s a pleasure to see. It’s lovely to see love in the air.”
* Stephen’s book, Extraordinary: The Search of a Life Worth Living is available to buy now.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
