Rumour surrounds Cruise and Holmes wedding

As the apparent date of their wedding approaches, a web of rumour has surrounded Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and their big day.

The controversial acting couple are in Italy where they are said to be preparing to wed on Saturday at 15th Century Castello Odescalchi, in a village outside Rome.

Cruise, a reputed control freak at the best of times, has reportedly put a million-dollar gagging order on caterers at the venue to stop them revealing any details of the food on offer at the event. He is said to have hired top Rome eatery Del Bolognese to provide food, but no more is known.

Another suggestion emanating from the Mediterranean is that 6,000 rose and coffee scented candles have been ordered in to the castle, where there are also rumours of a Scientology ceremony due to follow the wedding. It is thought to involve stroking a cat and whispering strange incantations, according to the Daily Mail.

Guests rumoured to be on their way to the location are Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, John Travolta, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Cruise has apparently hired a fleet of limousines to take them the 37 miles from the capital in style.

Police in the area have reportedly agreed to bar traffic from the small town centre for the day but have scuppered an effort to keep spies in helicopters away by declining to close air space.