Tom Hiddleston: Taylor and I are together for real

Tom Hiddleston has finally been without Taylor Swift long enough to be able to speak to the press alone and say that, no, their very public love affair is "not a publicity stunt".

The British actor who was hotly tipped to be the next James Bond, has enjoyed a whirlwind romance with the US singer, taking trips to Rome and Australia together.

He even appeared at a July 4 house party in Rhode Island where he was photographed wearing an "I heart T.S" shirt.

Their speedy relationship has attracted cynical critics who suspect this is just for publicity.

But Hiddleston, 35, told the Hollywood Reporter: "Well, um. How best to put this? The truth is that Taylor Swift and I are together, and we're very happy.

"That's the truth. It's not a publicity stunt."