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Who is The Crown's Vanessa Kirby, reported love interest of Tom Cruise?

Vanessa Kirby, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown, attends the show's London premiere in November 2016 - Invision
Vanessa Kirby, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown, attends the show's London premiere in November 2016 - Invision

Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who has not had a public long-term relationship since his divorce from former wife Katie Holmes in 2012, is reportedly planning a fourth wedding.

The new object of his affection, it was claimed today, is British actress Vanessa Kirby, who at 28 is just over half the age of 54-year-old Cruise.

The pair met after Kirby was cast as the female lead  in forthcoming action sequel Mission Impossible 6, with Cruise reportedly putting the actress's name forwards after watching her in the Netflix series The Crown, and subsequently winning her over with his "endless energy".

Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - Credit: David James/Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions via AP
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation Credit: David James/Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions via AP

Cruise, who will reprise the role of Ethan Hunt in MI:6, is also one of the film's producers. 

"Tom flipped for her work," a source told the US website intouchweekly.com.

"He told the other MI producers that he had to have Vanessa for a crucial role in the franchise's sixth installment."

In the acclaimed historical drama, Kirby played Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy).

Capturing Princess Margaret in The Crown
Kirby as Princess Margaret in The Crown

"He wants to make her[Kirby] the next Mrs. Tom Cruise," the insider added. 

“They had instant chemistry, and of course she got the role,” the insider added “He’s blown her away with his endless charm and energy. He thinks she’s perfect to be his next wife.”

Kirby, who grew up in Wimbledon, may have gained the world's (and Cruise's) attention for her portrayal of unhappy-in-love Margaret, but, prior to this, she already had an impressive acting CV.

Vanessa Kirby attending The Crown's premiere in November 2016 - Credit: PA
Vanessa Kirby attending The Crown's premiere in November 2016 Credit: PA

Past roles include playing Estella in the BBC's 2011 adaptation of Great Expectations, a part in the Wachowski siblings’ Jupiter Ascending – perhaps not her proudest moment, in retrospect, considering the critical mauling the film received –, a role in Richard Curtis's About Time and  and some highly acclaimed stage work, including playing Stella to Gillian Anderson's Blanche in the Young Vic's production of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret in The Crown - Credit: Stuart Hendry/Netflix
Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret in The Crown Credit: Stuart Hendry/Netflix

Rebellious Margaret, however, was the role Kirby felt she was "born to play".

"The Royal family have this public presentation of who they are," the actress explained, in an interview with The Telegraph last year. "I fell in love with Margaret because she was constantly trying to defy that."

Kirby's involvement in Mission Impossible 6, which is due to be released in 2018 and will be directed by Christopher McQuarrie, was announced early in March 2017.

Neither she nor Cruise have confirmed the rumoured relationship.

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