Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo have confirmed they are engaged after a six-month courtship.

Jinger, 22, is one of the stars of former reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting, which followed her parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and their 19 children before cancelled by TLC last year. 

Vuolo, 28, has been an on and off professional soccer player, previously playing for the Finnish club AC Oulu, the New York Red Bulls, and San Antonio Scorpions. 

The couple said in a statement to People: "So excited to share this news that we are now engaged.  From both of us, thank you all for the countless well-wishes.

"We are so excited to take this next step in spending our lives together. We are so grateful for how the Lord has brought us together. It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited about serving Christ together in the coming days."

The two have kept their engagement somewhat under wraps as a preview for the second season of "Counting On", the new TLC show starring her sisters Jill and Jessa, shows Vuolo asking for her hand back in June after they had been courting for six months.

Jessa expressed her joy at the news on her Instagram, writing: "Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!! Congrats, Jinger and Jeremy!!!!!!!!"

Jim Bob and Michelle also posted a touching message to their family blog: "What a joy for us to announce that Jeremy and Jinger are now engaged to be married!

"Wow, where did the time go? Sweet little Jinger is now grown up and engaged! We are so happy for them both. Above all, we are so grateful for their love and commitment to Christ.

"We are so excited about another Duggar wedding! We know that wonderful days are ahead for Jinger and Jeremy and we are looking forward to every moment! Our entire family rejoices!"

In a recent blog post, Jeremy told how he asked for permission from Jim Bob to court his daughter.  His relationship with Jinger developed further when the two went on a mission trip to Central America.

Both have been vocal about their admiration for each other, with Jinger recently sharing on the Duggar family Instagram page that she was loving "getting to know this man of God".

In a recent video announcing their courtship, Jeremy explained how central their faith was to their relationship.  "As opposed to a more casual dating relationship, we really want to honor the Lord, and be very intentional about how we move forward," he said.