One Direction star Niall Horan has jokingly asked for Katy Perry's hand in marriage after she complimented him on the X Factor last night (October 20).

The US star took to the stage at the results show to perform her latest single 'Roar' and she took time to talk about how she had a hand in progressing Horan on the X Factor as a guest judge back in 2010.

She added that he is "cute" - and this compliment prompted the Irishman to tweet a marriage proposal to Perry online. He quipped:

"I love you @katyperry! Thank you! Ps. Will u marry me?"

Since helping Horan progress to the Boot Camp stage of the 2010 X Factor, the two singers have been pictured kissing on stage at the 2012 MTV VMAs.

The One Direction man's mock proposal doesn't come as much of a surprise, however, with the singer previously saying in an interview that tying the knot with Perry would be the only way of topping his VMA kiss. He said:

"It was amazing and very purple - she had purple lipstick on. I don't think there will ever be anything cooler than kissing her. Until I marry her maybe!"