Tom Cruise leaves London abruptly, fuels speculation

The sudden departure comes amid reports of local frustration in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

Tom Cruise leaves
Tom Cruise leaves

LONDON: Hollywood star Tom Cruise has reportedly left the United Kingdom and returned to the United States after unexpectedly vacating his £35 million London penthouse overlooking Hyde Park.

According to a source cited by The Mail, staff at the property were seen removing boxes of Cruise’s belongings, with insiders describing the move as “very quick” and leaving building staff “stunned.”

The actor had appeared well-settled in London, enjoying regular runs around Hyde Park and walks in the local area.

He was also known to frequently travel by helicopter from Battersea Heliport to destinations in the British countryside. “Tom loved London… it’s most strange,” a source said.

Cruise has spent several years in the UK, filming multiple projects and frequently socializing. In 2022, he described himself as an “Anglophile,” noting he spent considerable time in Britain for reasons beyond work. In 2025, he received a BFI Fellowship for his contributions to the UK film industry, affirming he had “no plans to stop” making films in the country.

The sudden departure comes amid reports of local frustration in East Grinstead, West Sussex, where Cruise regularly attends the Church of Scientology’s annual fundraiser.

Residents have complained of noise, traffic disruption, and helicopter arrivals linked to the event. Former Scientologist Alexander Barnes-Ross said locals were “extremely frustrated and angered” by the impact on daily life.

Following these complaints, Mid Sussex District Council has launched a review of the Church’s premises licence. The exact reasons behind Cruise’s abrupt decision to leave London remain unclear.