Taipei - For Mandopop king Jay Chou, nothing less than a music video-worthy marriage proposal would do.

At a press conference yesterday for his new album, Hey, Not Bad, the pop star who is usually reticent about his love life spoke about his proposal to model-actress Hannah Quinlivan.

Chinese website Netease reported that Chou said he had spent a long time planning the proposal to ensure it was as sophisticated as a music video production. He popped the question in London with a romantic fireworks display and on bended knee. Quinlivan was said to have been moved to tears, although Chou maintained he kept a dry eye.

There was, however, no mention of when the proposal took place and the singer remained mum on the exact location of the proposal, as well as details on the engagement ring.

Chou also declined to divulge the venue of the wedding, which he had earlier said would be held on Jan 18, the day he turns 36. He would only say that he will be filming in London on that date, although the wedding need not be held there. Earlier, the singer had mentioned that he will hold two wedding celebrations, one in Taiwan and the other at a secret location overseas.

The Internet had been buzzing earlier this month about Chou's proposal after fans spotted him in London's Hyde Park and speculated that he was there to propose to Quinlivan. He was in London filming the movie Now You See Me 2, which also stars the Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

Apple Daily Taiwan reported that Chou spoke about wanting to have five children. "I am an only child and when I was young, Christmas felt lonesome so I want to have five children who can form a band and have a lively Christmas."

He added, when asked if he would have the stamina to father five children, that he exercises to keep fit and that Quinlivan has been helping him stay healthy, although he did not mention how. Chou suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, a hereditary spine inflammation disease.

According to the Chinese media, Quinlivan said shyly that she would "let nature take its course" when asked by reporters at a separate event in China about Chou's family plans.

As the singer looks forward to a new life as a husband, and possibly father, he said his songs might also reflect his new roles. "In the past, I have written songs about grandfathers, grandmothers, parents and brothers so in the future, there will be songs about listening to one's wife and children."