Henry Cavill has got engaged.

The new 'Superman' star proposed to his girlfriend Ellen Whitaker during a trip to Hollywood together and the overjoyed athlete had no hesitation in saying yes.

According to the Belfast Telegraph newspaper, she said: "I couldn't believe it when he asked me to marry him. I thought we were there to celebrate his birthday. It was such a surprise and I am so happy."

The actor - who turns 28 today (05.05.11) - is reported to have called her father Stephen for her hand in marriage before he popped the question.

The happy news has now been confirmed by Henry's representative to People magazine.

Ellen is currently in training to make the British showjumping team for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Henry is due to start shooting superhero movie 'Superman: The Man of Steel' this summer in Vancouver, Canada, and US city Chicago and it is due for release at the end of 2012.