Julianne Hough has got engaged to Brooks Laich.

Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough

The 27-year-old actress, who was previously in a long-term relationship with 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest, is "overwhelmed with joy and excitement" after the Canadian ice hockey player, 31, proposed to her after 18 months of dating.

The 'Safe Haven' star broke the news on Instagram, where alongside a photograph of herself staring at her ring while wrapping her arms and legs around Brooks on a balcony overlooking a lake, she wrote: "We are overwhelmed with joy and excitement to share with you our recent engagement. #fiancé #love."

The 'Dancing with the Stars' judge started dating the Washington Capitals player in February 2014 after being set up on a date by a mutual friend.

The blonde beauty and Ryan, 40, split in March 2013 after almost four years of dating amid rumours she got tired of waiting for him to get down on bended knee.

A source previously said: "He just wouldn't propose. However, Ryan was this close to looking for rings. Julianne is the only girl Ryan has allowed himself to get serious with."

Julianne initially vowed to take a year off dating after their split, explaining at the time: "I'm a relationship girl, and I feel so grateful for the ones I've been in. They've been excellent - I've been hurt but never angry - and they've helped me grow to be who I am today. But my goal has been to be single for an entire year."