Paolo Nutini turns matchmaker during Liverpool gig

Paolo Nutini at the Echo Arena

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Paolo Nutini acted as a matchmaker at a concert by proposing to a fan for her boyfriend.

Paolo stepped in after Dave Campbell, 48, took girlfriend Debbie Casey, 43, to see the Paisley singer at Liverpool's O2 Academy.

Hapless romantic Dave had planned to propose to Debbie during her favourite song, Alloway Grove, but lost his nerve before the gig.

But after a chance meeting with Dave, Paolo decided to help him out.

Dave, who has been dating Debbie for six months, said: "Alloway Grove has become a symbol of our togetherness and love, and I thought it would be perfect to pop the question during the track.

"On the day, I went to the venue early to try to get Paolo's autograph.

"As the show got nearer, I became more and more nervous, and I remember waiting around thinking, 'What if she says no?' "When Paolo eventually arrived, I was a bag of nerves.

"He was signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. He came over and I told him all about my plan and how I was really nervous.

"But before I could finish, he was pushed inside by security people.

"When Debbie and I got to the gig, the very first song was Alloway Grove.

"I'd resigned myself to the fact that it wasn't going to happen, when suddenly Paolo stopped singing and shouted, 'Is Debbie Casey here? If you are here, Debbie, will you marry Dave?'

"I don't know who was more surprised, me or Debbie. It was unbelievable.

"Paolo had obviously remembered what I had said and decided to help.

"Thankfully, she said yes and just flung herself into my arms.

"It was such a surreal moment. The pair of us were so happy and, when Paolo found out Debbie had said yes, he congratulated us mid-way through the concert.

"We are yet to set a date for the wedding but the sooner the better. Paolo is a fantastic musician and an even better matchmaker.

"And it was by far the best gig I've ever been to."

Meanwhile, Paolo releases new single Candy on Monday. It's from his second album, Sunny Side Up, out on June 1.

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