I thought I’d have to marry the dog

She used to be a scantily-clad dancer who grabbed the boy’s attention in The Benny Hill Show.

Now she’s known as the “sexy babe with the strange accent” in the hit sitcom, Frasier (C4, 10pm).

Yet for years Jane Leeves, who plays the slightly-daffy housekeeper Daphne in the Cheers sequel couldn’t get a date.

“I think it was four years to be exact,” says Jane, only half-joking. “I didn’t think I’d meet anyone and I only had eyes for Moose.”

East Grinstead’s most famous daughter is talking about her special bond with Moose, the Jack Russell terrier who plays Eddie on the show.

But now things have changed.

The dog has a rival for 33-year-old Jane’s affection in the shape of US TV executive Marshall Cobden. And while poor Eddie is confined to the States because of quarantine laws, Marshall is coming to Britain at Christmas to marry America’s favourite English eccentric.

“I never thought I’d settle down – especially with someone as wonderful as Marshall,” says Jane.

“He’s my knight in shining armour. My dream man.”

Jane was introduced to her fiance by her Frasier co-star, David Hyde Pierce, possibly out of concern for her peculiar attachment to Moose.

“What we’re talking about is illegal in the state of California,” he says grinning. Ironically it is Pierce’s character, Niles (Frasier’s brother) who has a crush on the down-to-earth Daphne in the sitcom, while in real life he did the decent thing and brought the lovebirds together.

“It was a lovely thing to do,” says Jane.

“And because he brought us together in the first place we want him to be our honorary best man on the big day.” Coming home to East Grinstead for the wedding has long been the star’s fantasy plan.

“I’ve always dreamed of a romantic winter wedding in front of a roaring fire with a huge Christmas tree and all my friends and family gathered around me.

“And that’s just what we’re going to have.”