Walking Dead actor Tom Payne is engaged to model Jennifer Akerman

Tom Payne shared the happy news on the Walking Dead fan podcast, The Talking dead.

Tom Payne lets slip that he's engaged to his 29-year old girlfriend Jennifer Akermand during a chat on the Walking Dead fan podcast The Talking Dead.

He'd been invited on to talk about his shock exit from the long-running AMC zombie drama.

Talking about his departure, he told host Chris Hardwick: 'I got the call like, an episode before and I was texting my girlfriend, now fiancée,' Chris then rushed to congratulate him.

British actor Tom, 35 has been dating Jennifer, a Swedish model, singer and songwriter since 2013 and although the pair are very private when it comes to their relationship they both regularly post pictures of each on social media.

During a hike to the famous Wisdom Tree in LA, Tom shared a cute picture of the pair on Thanksgiving Day with the caption: 'Thankful today for the path my life has taken up till now and all the people that have helped and supported me along the way. Especially the special lady peeking out from behind me in the photo! America has given me a lot. I’m doing my best to return the love. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!'

Since he revealed the happy news, fans have been quick to send their best wishes to the couple on social media.

One fan wrote: 'Congratulations to you and Jennifer on your engagement! You're both very lucky to found each other!' Another added: '@thetpayne so happy for you ! Congratulations on your engagement!!'

One fan wrote: 'Congratulations on the engagement!! 🌹🎉👍🏼❤But I’m so sad to see you go on tonight’s episode of TWD. I’m going to miss #jesus #manbun#blueeyes.'

Another wrote: 'You're the man. Congratulations to your engagement we love and going to miss you buddy.'

Tom's character Jesus, who he'd played since series six, was killed off on Sunday.

Words by Leanne Carr