Following many years on his own, Top Gun star Tom Cruise has gone public with Russian socialite Elsina Khayrova

TOM’S DATING AGAIN!

It looks like Tom Cruise has a new leading lady. On Dec. 9, the Mission Impossible star, 61, was spotted snuggling up with Russian socialite Elsina Khayrova at a bash in London. “They met at a private members club around four months ago,” an insider reveals to Life & Style. “They hit it off, but he wanted to keep things super discreet while they first got to know each other.”

Though the duo had spent their first dates sneaking out of side entrances, adds the insider, Tom is now thrilled not to have to hide Elsina, 36, any longer. “He made a big point of telling everyone after the London party how liberating and wonderful it was to have gotten this out in the open,” says the insider. “His kids, Connor and Isabella, have both met her and think she’s fantastic — even if Elsina is just a few years older than they are. Everyone’s excited to see Tom with this loved-up glow and a spring in his step. It’s long overdue.”

BACK IN THE GAME

Indeed, Tom’s seemingly had quite the dry spell. While he was rumored to have had an on-off relationship with MI co-star Hayley Atwell, 41, from 2020 to 2022, in July, she denied they were ever romantic. Whispers also circulated that sparks flew between Tom and singer Shakira, 46, in May, but his last serious — and publicly confirmed — romance was with ex-wife Katie Holmes, 45, more than a decade ago. “Tom never gave up hope he’d find the right match. The official version he likes to tell is that he just wanted to take his time, but in truth he had some setbacks and some rejections that bruised his ego,” says the insider. “He’s very pleased to have found someone who can keep pace with his lifestyle. Elsina is very highenergy, and she’s there for Tom at the end of a long day.”

Some women might get annoyed with Tom’s overpacked filming schedule. Not Elsina. She’s used to busy men as the daughter of a prominent Russian MP and ex-wife of an oligarch. “Elsina’s very cultured and hugely intellectual,” adds the insider. “Tom’s been learning a lot about Eastern European culture and history from her. He finds it fascinating.”

In return, “Tom treats Elsina to the best of the best, showering her with jewelry and other gifts like fine artwork or tickets to the opera,” says the insider. “He’s been working overtime to impress Elsina.”

Mission accomplished. “Being wooed by the world’s biggest movie star is a fairy tale come true for Elsina,” shares the insider. “She’s having an absolute blast with Tom.”

Low-key Love His past girlfriends include Penélope Cruz and Cher, but an insider says Tom has enjoyed a more subtle relationship with Elsina. “It’s easy for him to arrange discreet dates at fancy restaurants or hotels,” notes the insider. “The staff just book him into a private room.” Something Special “Tom is absolutely infatuated with her,” says the insider, “and Elsina is loving every second of this romance. They have a bunch of mutual friends.”