Frank Skinner's publicist has denied newspaper stories that the comic is to marry.

Tabloid reports at the weekend claimed Skinner was ready to tie the knot with live-in lover Cathy Mason.

But a spokesman for agents Avalon said: "It's not true. Things are going very well, but no marriage is imminent."

34-year-old Mason, a former receptionist at Avalon, moved into Skinner's North London home six weeks ago. She had been dating the chat show host since May this year, although they have been friends for years.

Skinner, 46, has been married previously, but he split up with Lisa Jones in 1990 after just ten months together. She was 14 years his junior.