A MONTY Python fanatic who met his partner through the dating site he created has proposed to her in front of two of their idols.

John Wood found love with another Monty Python fan Gemma Harris after setting up a dating site inspired by the surreal comedy group and decided to pop the question when they met the stars.

After two and a half years of dating he asked her to marry him in front of two of their on-screen favourites, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam.

The 57-year-old said said: “We both went to this show where we were going to be in the presence of Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin.

“I’ve met them many times before but I just thought this would be perfect.”

John, a social media manager, from East Grinstead, proposed at a show called An Englishman And Indian And An American Walk Into A Bar... at the Roundhouse in Camden, North London. The one-off was a fundraiser for the venue hosted by comedian and University of Sussex Chancellor Sanjeev Bhaskar.

John said: “It was very tricky. I was so nervous and had no idea if everything was going to come together. I was sorting things out and Gemma had no idea where I was.

“Finally the moment arrived and I did it in the VIP after party. Michael Palin even said ‘will you marry me?’ for me and then he said ‘I wish you a long and happy life together’, which was very nice.”

“Apparently we are the first proposal that staff have seen at the Roundhouse.Mr Wood is the first to find love in the group, which has more than 140 members and aims to help fans “find each other, and so find love, intellectual fulfilment and everlasting happiness”.

Gemma, 33, has now moved to Sussex from Netheravon, near Salisbury, to live with John.

The father-of-one decided to search for a partner who shared his passion for Monty Python, which started in 1969. It is perhaps best-known for the crazy humour of such classics as the dead parrot sketch, which opened with the line “I wish to register a complaint”. His first wife disliked the series.

He said: “When I was married the first time for 15 years my wife didn’t like Python.

“Since it’s been a major part of my life since I was 13, I thought my next girlfriend should be a Python fan.”

The couple haven’t set a date or decided on a venue. If only they could find a licensed pet shop selling parrots.