Jesse Metcalfe is engaged.

Jesse Metcalfe and Cara Santana [Instagram]

Jesse Metcalfe and Cara Santana [Instagram]

The former 'Desperate Housewives' actor proposed to his actress and fashion blogger girlfriend Cara Santana on a sailboat in the middle of the Hudson River in New York this week when they were celebrating her birthday.

He told Us Weekly: "It's been a long time coming, but we couldn't be happier."

Jesse, 37, and 33-year-old Cara have been together for over 10 years.

Speaking previously about their relationship, 'Dallas' actor Jesse said: "I wouldn't say it was love at first sight. It was more of a slow burn, which I think is a better start for a relationship. I think if it comes on fast and furious, it generally fizzles out just as fast. We were slow and steady."

She added: "We took the time to get to know each other. We've known each other for, like, 10 years."

The couple were previously forced to deny reports they were engaged.

Back in 2014, Jesse said: "You know what, I'm not engaged. That's some misinformation. I swear to God man, that's some misinformation that has been floating around out there."

However, he admitted that marriage would be eventually on the cards for the couple.

He said: "That's not to say we won't get engaged and won't get married, it seems to be going in that direction, but not yet.

"It's crazy because it's not like I don't have enough pressure to get engaged every day.

"It will take a bit of specialness away from the moment when we finally do."

And Jesse - who previously dated Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle - praised Cara for helping to change his life.

He said: "She is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. She has opened my life up in so many ways.

"Being with her has helped me shed that image I had in the past - that player image. She's really helped me grow."

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