One of Swindon’s most famous exports has announced her engagement.

Melinda Messenger, who was born in the town in 1971, has announced she is to tie the knot with survival expert Doctor Raj Joshi.

The 52-year-old celebrity grew up in Swindon before finding stardom through her modelling career in 1997.

She then switched to presenting television shows such as ‘Fort Boyard’ and ‘Cowboy Builders’ before pursuing psychotherapy.

Swindon Advertiser: Melinda and Raj were in New Zealand during the proposal.Melinda and Raj were in New Zealand during the proposal. (Image: Melinda Messenger)

Melinda and her now fiancé were spending time in New Zealand when the 47-year-old doctor popped the question.

Dr Joshi runs his own travel company called 'The Adventure Boutique' which is a London-based business that offers “tailor-made trips, embedded with taste, that are a little out of the ordinary”.

The former model announced the news of the engagement on her social media pages and said: “We've got some very happy news to share.

“Raj and I got engaged in beautiful New Zealand at Matariki, the Māori New year, and we are getting married next year!”

Melinda is a mother to sons Morgan, 22, Flynn, 20, and 18-year old daughter Evie with ex-husband Wayne Roberts.

Just weeks ago, Melinda was back in Swindon to open a new pet store, and spoke exclusively to the Adver of her love of returning to her hometown.