In an extraordinary series of interviews, the hottest couple in Hollywood have been speaking out about their feelings for each other.

The wariness with which Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz once spoke about their relationship is disappearing now that Tom’s divorce from Nicole Kidman has finally been settled.

And as the couple embarked on a promotional tour for Vanilla Sky, the romantic thriller that first brought them together, they reveal how deeply they’ve now become involved.

“We don’t hide that we are together and we are very, very happy together,” said a beaming Penelope, who has described the American heartthrob as her best friend. “All I want to say is that we’re happy and having a lot of fun together.”

Tom himself appears to have undergone a change over the past few months, unveiling a leaner, more muscular look in next month’s Vanity Fair magazine. Stripped to the waist, he cuts a strikingly handsome figure with his tousled hair, fine stubble and impressive biceps. It’s hardly surprising doe-eyed Penelope has fallen so heavily for him.

To see more on the most-talked-about relationship of the year check out this week’s HELLO! magazine, on sale now.