He's one of the nation’s most eligible heart-throbs, so everyone has been waiting for even the smallest nugget of news about Eddie Redmayne’s wedding to Hannah Bagshawe.

But I can reveal that the couple have already staged a lavish ‘wedding party’ – without going to the bother of getting married first.

I’ve discovered that the bash had all the hallmarks of a traditional wedding: a white marquee, stunning flowers, a three-course dinner from a luxury catering company, a toast to the happy couple and dancing. And I’m told the radiant ‘bride’ even wore a beautiful gown befitting the occasion.

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Lovebirds: Eddie Redmayne and his bride-to-be Hannah Bagshawe threw a party for 100 of their family and friends in September, which is said to be regarded as the celebration of the marriage

Although Birdsong star Eddie and Hannah are expected to legally marry later this month in an intimate ceremony, their top-secret bash for 100 of their family and friends in September is said to be regarded by both families as the celebration of the marriage.

‘It was a wedding apart from the church and the certificate,’ my spy tells me. A close source to the Redmayne family confirmed that the party in Derbyshire was put on for all their friends because the couple are not planning to cater for them at the real event.

‘It was organised by the bride’s family because Eddie and Hannah are having a small wedding, but have a big family.

'They wanted to be able to include everyone in the celebration, so all their family and friends were there. It was lovely.’

The party was so secret even the staff hired for the event didn’t know who they were catering for. ‘All the girls were terribly excited when they saw Eddie,’ says my mole.

Mr and Mrs-ish: Eddie and Hannah are expected to legally marry later this month in an intimate ceremony

Old Etonian Eddie and Hannah, a financial publicist, got engaged in June after dating for just over two years.

They announced the news in The Times, after the actor reportedly proposed while they were on holiday, having first asked Hannah’s father’s permission.

Now all eyes will be on the ceremony. I shall keep you posted.

Meanwhile, most newlyweds make do with a first dance at the reception, but Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch is determined to go one better than that.

I’m told the 38-year-old has been having piano lessons so he can serenade his beautiful bride, theatre director Sophie Hunter.

Classical pianist James Rhodes, an old friend of the actor from Harrow School, has been helping him practise.

‘Benedict is good already, but with James’s help he is becoming brilliant,’ says a pal.

Kristie Allsopp has a bone to pick with Damian Lewis after his disclosure on Desert Island Discs that he refuses to pose for photos or sign autographs when he is out with his family.