Stephen Fry is getting married

Los Angeles - Stephen Fry is to marry his 27-year-old partner Elliot Spencer.

The 57-year-old star and his lover have a year to tie the knot after they gave formal notice of their intention at a register office.

Since giving notice, Stephen has taken to Twitter to thank fans for their support towards their nuptials.

Oh. It looks as though a certain cat is out of a certain bag. I’m very very happy of course but had hoped for a private wedding. Fat chance!

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 6, 2015

Thank you all SO much for your kind congratulations. Deeply touched xxx

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 6, 2015

Your adorable tweets are bringing me close to sobbing. Off for a walk and a blast of Jorge Bolet (thanks to @JRhodesPianist’s ace present)

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 6, 2015

Couple of journos parked outside my place. Wonder what I should do? Have said “nothing to say thanks” but they’re still there. Hmmm.

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 6, 2015

Some good suggestions as to what to do with my door-stepping journos. Everything from sandwiches to Rottweilers. Maybe coffee is the answer.

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 6, 2015

A friend of the star - who has suffered with depression for years - said: "Since Stephen met Elliott it is like he has a new lust for life."

"We've got the old Stephen back. He has spoken about his problems in the past because he wants others suffering with depression and loneliness to know it can affect everyone. But he has found new hope in Elliott and they thrive off one another."

Stephen was previously with Daniel Cohen - his partner of 14 years - until 2010, after which he dated Steven Webb, who was 27 years his junior.

However, in November last year he embarked on a relationship with Elliott and on December 23, they made a formal application to marry at a register office in Dereham, Norfolk - Stephen's home county.

Meanwhile, Elliott's dad Robert, 57, has refused to comment on the wedding, telling The Sun newspaper: "Thank you for the opportunity but we've not got anything to say."