Even as a child, Kate Ritchie's romantic side was obvious. In between scenes on Home And Away, the now 31-year-old could often be seen singing into a mirror about wanting to find her perfect man. So, when it came time for her boyfriend of 16 months, Stuart Webb, to pop the question, it came as no surprise that the former rugby league star chose one of the most romantic destinations in the world — Italy's Amalfi coastline.

With its cobblestone streets, and pastel-coloured buildings that appear to cling to the sheer Mediterranean cliffs, the glamorous fishing village of Positano was Stuart's choice to finally propose to Kate, with the actress offering up a resounding "yes".

"We told our families and we're very excited and looking forward to celebrating with our families when we get home," a delighted Kate announced last week, with the surprise engagement capping off what has become a year of highs for the popular personality.

Along with her successful gig co-hosting Sydney radio station Nova 969's breakfast program with Merrick and Rosso, Kate won accolades earlier this year for her standout performance in Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, while also signing on to be a brand ambassador for Vaseline.

All the while, she says that Stuart has been an unwavering tower of support.

The couple began dating in May 2008 and have been living together, first in Stuart's south-Sydney home and now in Kate's much bigger Randwick house.

"He's much more wonderful than I could ever have imagined," Kate recently said. "Stuart's a perfect partner."

"They're a great couple," a friend tells Woman's Day. "She's a laid-back, lovely girl and they're really great together.