Halliwell's future in-laws refuse to attend wedding

However, it seems their happy news didn't go down too well with his mother and father, Garry and Sara. They are allegedly furious that he left his partner of 14 years, Beverley Allen, just months after she had given birth to their first child, daughter Olivia.

An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won't be going to the wedding. There is a lot more to this story than people know about - to do with his ex-partner."

A friend of Christian, 40, added: "Over the years Christian has been very close to his parents - particularly to his dad who shares his love of motor racing - but recent events have thrown everything into doubt. His mum is particularly upset.

"It's a real shame and everyone involved is upset. Weddings are expected to bring families closer together, but this engagement has driven a wedge between people."

Meanwhile, the loved-up pair, who have been friends since 2009, started dating in March 2014, and rumours have been circulating for some time that they are set to tie the knot.

Geri, 42, has an eight-year-old daughter, Bluebell, from a previous relationship.