THE most unlikely romance of the year - between serial killer Rose West and the bass player of glam rock band Slade - is off.

West, who is serving ten life sentences for the murder of ten women and girls at the Gloucester House of Horrors, was said to have fallen in love with musician Dave Glover after exchanging letters with him.

The couple had planned to marry in the chapel of Durham Prison, but yesterday she contacted her solicitor, Leo Goatley, to tell him the romance was over.

The musician was said to have had cold feet following the publicity the relationship had generated.

Mr Goatley said: "It is clear he had not thought through the ramifications of a marriage to Rose.

"As soon as the chickens came home to roost, he just kind of panicked.

"But it makes you wonder why he was writing to her every day for a year and promising marriage if he was going to be put off so quickly by the publicity."

Dave Glover, 36, from Hampshire, joined Slade II three years ago and tours with original band members Don Powell on drums and Dave Hill on guitar.