Crossword Genius

Seriously propose that first person should choose vacuous housemate to ask them this? (3,3,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pop the question

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'seriously propose' is the definition.
'pop the question' can be an answer for 'propose' (synonyms). I'm not sure about the 'seriously' bit.

'first person should choose vacuous housemate to ask them this?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'first' could be 'i' (I in Roman numerals eg Elizabeth I) and 'i' is found within the answer.
'choose' could be 'opt' (both can mean to pick something) and 'opt' is present in the answer.
'to' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'that' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pop the question that I've seen before include "to ask for a hand" , "Suggest union" , "offer to form union" , "Propose" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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