The 34-year-old blonde is set to wed businessman Howard Kruger following an on-off relationship that has lasted almost three years.

No date has, as yet, been arranged for the wedding.

The former air hostess today insisted that football legend Best would " always be the love of her life", but said she felt the time was now right to move on.

Alex met Mr Kruger at a New Year's Day party in 2004.

The following year the 47-year-old businessman was jailed for three years after being found guilty of indecent assault on a girl. Alex stood by him and the couple started seeing each other again when his conviction was overturned last March.

He, in turn, supported her through her divorce from Best.

Mr Kruger proposed in the early hours of New Year's Day as Alex tried to ring her mother from a telephone box.

Alex said: "Howard has been a great support and friend to me over the past few years and we have supported each other in life's ups and downs.

"No date has been set for the wedding as yet.

"The time I spent in Northern Ireland was very special to me and George will always be the love of my life.

"But I felt it was time to move on in my own life. Hopefully 2007 will be a great year for us and for all."

Alex's agent and publicist Colin Angus, who befriended the Bests when they moved to Co Down, said he was "delighted" for her.

"Howard proposed to Alex on New Year's Day and she said yes," he said.

"They make a great couple and I'm delighted for them both and I am looking forward to the big day."

Alex, who was 26 years younger than Best, was married to him for nine years.

They divorced in 2004, but remained in touch and she spent time at his hospital bedside in the hours leading up to his death in November 2005.