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They strolled arm in arm, hugged each other, smiled for the cameras and he repeatedly patted her bump.

Contrary to widespread rumours, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were letting it be known that they are very much together.

‘Sunlit stroll‘

The couple, on a brief visit to Australia, made the most of Sydney Harbour’s attractions with a sunlit stroll by the waterside, signing autographs for fans.

They then boarded a yacht owned by Cruise’s friend, the media tycoon Jamie Packer, where 27-year-old Miss Holmes spent much of her time with her arms wrapped round her grinning 43-year-old fiancé.

Sources close to the couple said that, at seven months pregnant, Miss Holmes had been expected not to make the trip from Los Angeles for a state memorial service to Packer’s father Kerry.

‘Separate bedrooms’

But after an American magazine claimed their relationship was a sham and that they slept in separate bedrooms, she had a sudden change of heart.

“They looked like a couple very much in love,” said a fan. “Tom kept patting Katie’s bump and couldn’t stop telling everyone how excited he was. If their relationship is on the rocks, it certainly didn’t show.”

Their spokesman described the latest gossip as “100 per cent false”, adding: “Mr Cruise and Ms Holmes are still engaged and are moving forward with their wedding plans, as well as planning for the arrival of their child.

“Despite the malicious fallacies put forth, the couple is looking forward to a long and happy life together as a family.”

technorati tags: Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Love