Movie couple Tom Cruise and PENELOPE CRUZ split up because her father didn't want his daughter to have a relationship with a Hollywood superstar.

Eduardo Cruz was unhappy with 29-year-old Penelope's romance with the Mission Impossible actor, 41 - and he doubted the couple would remain together in the face of constant publicity.

Eduardo was also concerned about Cruise's devotion to controversial religion Scientology, reportedly forcing her to cancel their wedding plans last year (03).

A source tells British newspaper the DAILY MIRROR, "Dad Eduardo and Penelope have always been very close and he has always looked out for his daughter when it comes to men.

"But as well as not being keen on Tom's devotion to Scientology, he thought Pen being in love with a well-known star was not ideal.

"He just didn't think their relationship would work because they were both sharing so much limelight."

29/03/2004 02:38