Comedian Stephen Fry has said he is “very, very happy” after confirming he is due to marry.

The 57-year-old has given formal notice to wed Elliott Spencer, 27, at a register office in Dereham, Norfolk, near to where he grew up.

Stephen Fry wedding Oh. It looks as though a certain cat is out of a certain bag. I’m very very happy of course but had hoped for a private wedding. Fat chance! — Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 6, 2015 Thank you all SO much for your kind congratulations. Deeply touched xxx — Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 6, 2015

Fry’s personal assistant said it was a private matter, adding: “Stephen Fry is very happy and proud to say that he has set the wheels in motion for a wedding sometime in the future but no date has been set due to a busy work schedule.”

Writing on Twitter, the presenter said: “Oh. It looks as though a certain cat is out of a certain bag.

“I’m very very happy of course but had hoped for a private wedding. Fat chance!”