Holmes says she is 'no wallflower'

Katie Holmes has asserted her independence by insisting that she is not a "wallflower" sapped of control over her own life.

The 29-year-old, who married Tom Cruise in 2006 and is currently starring in Broadway's All My Sons, told The New York Times' Style magazine that she sometimes ignores reports written about her in order to remain herself.

"I have too much to do. I'm a mum and an actress with a play to do every night. I can't pay attention to all that noise.

"There's a misperception about me that I just became this wallflower, this woman who doesn't have any control of her life. And that's pretty wrong. From the very beginning, I've made choices in my life that have been very strong."

Cruise, who was also interviewed for the magazine, said he knew he wanted to marry Holmes after their first date, while she revealed that his "down-to-earth" nature had been a huge draw.