Katie Holmes holds the family together as Tom Cruise struggles to fend off criticism of his controversial church. Katherine Chatfield reports.
While Tom Cruise struggles to prevent the rapidly deteriorating Church of Scientology from collapsing altogether, his wife Katie Holmes has stepped up to take charge of their family.
Tom is believed to hold the revered position of second-in-command of the controversial religion – but after numerous recent allegations of abuse and fraud within the sect, he has been lying low as Scientology chiefs work on a strategy to manage the bad publicity.
With Tom, 47, otherwise occupied, Katie has increasingly asserted her independence and is making it her priority to ensure the rest of their family are well looked after. The 31-year-old actress appears to have blossomed with her new autonomy. Last week she looked happy and relaxed as she took stepdaughter Isabella shopping in West Hollywood.
Isabella, 17, who has taken a backseat to her aspiring movie star brother, Connor, 15, of late, was clearly delighted to spend time with Katie. The two seemed perfectly content browsing the discount racks of fashion stores for bargains, with Isabella emerging with several carrybags.
Katie has also been playing mum to Connor, ferrying him around to his various activities, including dropping him at their local Scientology centre.
The actress has also been spotted popping out for coffee on her own and driving herself around town – both things she’s rarely done since marrying Tom in November 2006.
For the full story see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale March 22, 2010.
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