LOS ANGELES — They've spent months insisting their marriage was as strong as ever as rumors circulated showbiz that all was not well. But Katie Holmes has finally put an end to the speculation by announcing her split from Tom Cruise, paving the way for a court battle over the fortune the couple have amassed since they tied the knot five years and seven months ago. Last night, it emerged the 33-year-old actress had started divorce proceedings and was insisting on sole custody of their daughter Suri, six. The shock move is said to have left Top Gun star Cruise, 49, devastated. According to friends he “had not seen it coming”. His spokesman said: “Kate has filed for divorce and Tom is deeply saddened and is concentrating on his three children.” Devout Catholic Katie, who has always been deeply uncomfortable with her husband's Scientology cult, released a statement through her attorney Jonathan Wolfe. Making no mention of Cruise, it said: “This is a personal and private matter for Katie and her family. “Katie's primary concern remains, as it always has been, her daughter's best interest.” The couple – said to be worth £175million – have been on separate sides of America for the past two months as rumors of a split grew. — Agencies
