NINETIES pop star Ben Ofoedu, 52, has married his 29-year-old girlfriend in front of star-studded guests in a breathtaking castle wedding.
The smitten singer said "I do" on Wednesday – five months after proposing to Vanessa on Valentine's Day in New York, having started dating just weeks before.
Ben, who was previously engaged to TV presenter Vanessa Feltz, said the special occasion was "a new beginning", adding: "I wasted 17 years of my life."
The Phats & Small singer, best known for his biggest hit Turn Around, split up from TV presenter Vanessa in 2023 after 16 years.
He has now hailed his special day a "dream come true" and admitted he had been "waiting for this feeling" after the ceremony at Rose Castle in Cumbria.
New husband Ben told MailOnline: "I have always wanted to be married since I was seven years old. I always wanted to be with someone who would take my surname.
"I almost gave up on marriage, thinking there wasn't a lady that would walk down the aisle for me.
"I can't believe the day has come, it is a dream come true. It feels like I've been waiting for this moment all my life.
"This is the finale of the chapter that was 17 years of my life."
An insider also told The Sun: "Ben's never been happier. He's always wanted to get married and knew Vanessa was the one instantly.
"They've been planning their dream day ever since they met and know it's going to be the best day of their lives."
Famous guests from the music scene including Best Man Shane & wife Sheena Lynch, Brian McFadden and Dani Park, Keith and Lisa Duffy. Bradley Mcintosh (S Club), Abz (Five), Dane Bowers and Lee Brennan (911) were all in attendance.
The night before the wedding, guests enjoyed a boozy party as they got the celebrations started.
WEDDING PLANS
Back in April Ben revealed no expense was going to be spared in order to make it the perfect day.
He told us: "There's a three-day wedding celebration. We've got a summer soiree the night before, a barbecue, then the whole day of celebrations the day after and then a farewell brunch. So it'll be jam-packed."
The entertainment was described as "world class" and something for everyone.
Vanessa Feltz and Ben Ofoedu relationship timeline
2005
The couple meet at a Christmas party after being introduced by mutual friend Keith Duffy.
Ben tells OK! years later: "My first impression of you Feltzy was cheeky, very very cheeky and very very quick-witted."
2016
The pair get engaged in December in Ireland after a whirlwind romance. Ben pulls out all the stops, covering their hotel bed in red roses.
2020
Ben teases on Loose Women that a ceremony is imminent. He says: "I think we'll be making an announcement very, very soon.
2022
The stance changes significantly. Vanessa tells OK!: "I do think 'never say never', but I certainly haven't made any plans for a wedding and I think we're quite happy this way."
2023
Shocked Vanessa announces the relationship is over, heartbroken by Ben's infidelity.
He added: "We've got everything from a bagpiper to a saxophonist and then we're thinking of maybe hiring a carousel because the venue has got beautiful gardens.
"We've got a dedicated marquee specifically for entertainment so I think everyone attending is going to have such a great three days. It's going to be no expense spared. You only get married once."
Ben got down on one knee in Central Park by the famous Bow Bridge that features in Christmas flick Elf, Vanessa's favourite film.
She said of the proposal: "I had absolutely no idea so it was quite a shock. I thought he'd maybe fell over or something."
Ben and Vanessa were first introduced at an event a year ago while he was in a relationship with ex-girlfriend Precious Muir, 40.
Though he found her attractive, they remained friends until he became single late last year.
He appeared as a guest on Vanessa's podcast and found himself working with her again at a horse racing meet in Carlisle.
Describing their connection, Ben said: "Now we're best friends in a relationship."
Differing attitudes towards parenthood were one of the stumbling blocks in Ben's last relationship.
He also previously spoke about giving up his baby dream in his former relationship with ex-fiancé Vanessa.
But he insists he and Vanessa are on the same page.
"I think if we're blessed enough two (kids) would be ideal," he said.
"Yes, a boy and a girl because you've got the best of both worlds there."
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