Rachel Hunter To Marry Younger Boyfriend Next Year

Rachel Hunter has got engaged. The 38-year-old model - the ex-wife of rocker Rod Stewart - is set to wed Canadian ice hockey player Jarret Stoll, 26.

The couple - who have been together for two years - are due to tie the knot next year.

Rachel is said to have told friends: "He's my first true love since Rod and the age difference isn't an issue."

The New Zealand beauty's manager Andy Haden offered his blessing for the union.

He said: "We are all delighted for her."

Jarret - who plays for the Los Angeles Kings and met his new fiancee at an ice hockey game - told a New Zealand radio station the proposal was "romantic."

The athlete's mother has also given her blessing to the forthcoming nuptials, telling Hello! magazine: "We like Rachel very much. She fits into the family very nicely."

Rachel sparked marriage rumors last weekend when she was seen sporting a diamond ring on her engagement finger as she walked around her hometown of Auckland. The pair live together in Los Angeles with Rachel's children from her marriage to Rod, Renee, 16, and Liam, 14.

When the pair first started dating, Rachel said: "The kids have no troubles with Jarret - Liam now has a first-class ice hockey coach, so he's happy."

"Obviously as a single mother you have to treat new relationships very delicately."

Rod - who was divorced from Rachel in 2006 - married 37-year-old lingerie model Penny Lancaster last year.