Louisa's fellow competitors in the annual event have wished her well on her big day.

Payroll administrator Leanne Cherry, 22, of Radstock Avenue, Park North, who is engaged to Marc Blackwell, 23, said she was delighted Louisa had won.

She said: "I thought that if we didn't win I would really like Louisa to do well so I'm really pleased for her. They seem like a lovely couple.

"I enjoyed taking part and am pleased it was all decided quickly."

Hairdresser Jessica Hebden, 22, of Carmel Walk, in Walcot, who is engaged to Gareth Lovell, 22, said: "I really enjoyed taking part and obviously I was disappointed not to win but I really hope Louisa enjoys her big day.

"Gareth and I felt lucky to get into the last 12 and to be put forward to the last six was a bonus."

Sarah Laney, 36, a training adviser at Nationwide, who is engaged to Richard Stanley, 26, said: "The competition is really good. I enjoyed meeting all the other people."

Senior support worker Carrie Glockling, 27, said nothing had changed despite not winning she will still marry 32-year-old Chaz Beer.

Carrie, of Chandler Close, Old Town, said: "Taking part was fun, so we're not disappointed about not winning. We were pleased to get to the final six."

The sixth finalists were marketing adviser Jodie Barton, 26, of Highdown Way, St Andrew's Ridge, and fiance Darren Beers, 37.

The judges, who represent the Goddard Arms Hotel, the Evening Advertiser, Skyla and Sharon Whitely Hair and Make-up, along with last year's winners, Lucy and Neil Zerebecki, met the six finalists on Tuesday night before making their decision.

Steve Goulding, reservation and events manager at the Goddard Arms Hotel, said: "The competition was a very close run thing this year.

"Louisa and Michael struck a chord with everyone on the judging panel. They seem very happy together and overall make a striking couple."