THANDIE NEWTON - NEWTON UPSET AT CRUISE AND KIDMAN SPLIT

CRASH beauty THANDIE NEWTON was shocked when her MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II co-star TOM CRUISE split with NICOLE KIDMAN four years ago but she is convinced it unleashed two great talents.

The 32-year-old Zambian star has been close friends with the high-profile couple since landing her screen debut alongside the Australian actress in 1991 film FLIRTING, and was distraught when they split and later divorced in 2001.

But she is convinced the pair have produced their finest work since their divorce came through.

She says, "Their divorce really surprised and upset me.

"But as soon as they separated their lives seemed to grow to fill the space."