A woman faced brutal public humiliation after her proposal was rejected live on an Australian radio show on Thursday.

On Melbourne’s most popular breakfast show, 101.9 The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick, listener Carly bravely proposed to her partner of five years, Brad, live on air, to mark Leap Day.

Bachelor’s Day, sometimes known as Ladies’ Privilege, is an Irish tradition by which women are “allowed” to propose to men on February 29.

However, sadly for Carly, things quickly went horribly wrong.

She was optimistic before the call, and seemed to think she would soon be engaged.

However, as her wannabe husband Brad stumbled and stuttered it became clear this was going to be a memorable phone call for all the wrong reasons.

“It’s been the most incredible five years of my life with you,” she told her stunned partner over the phone. “Every morning, I wake up as the luckiest girl alive. You make me feel like nothing else I’ve ever felt before.

“You are my north, my south, my east, my west, my working week and my Sunday rest. I have loved growing with you and learning about you. I love the person you are, and the person I am is totally because of you. I can’t wait to do this forever … will you marry me?”

Sadly for Carly, after a brief pause, Brad begged for her to be joking. He then went on to turn her down.

“You’re joking … is this live on-air?” he asked. “You’re joking. Obviously … like … um … (pauses) . I dunno, like … I’m not trying to put you on the spot, but I’m just pretty … I don’t know if this is the sort of thing you do on-air. It’s a big deal and I’m a pretty traditional kind of guy as you know.”

He added: “I don’t want to seem like I’m not grateful or anything … you know I love you, babe. I dunno, I’m feeling pretty shocked right now,” before the call was brought to a swift end.

“That could be the most uncomfortable I’ve ever felt on radio,” said a dismayed Fev as the segment came to a close.

Ouch.