A friend provided the throwaway mobile device, presumably so that Holmes could start divorce proceedings without husband Tom Cruise's knowledge.

The LA Times also reported the story, claiming that Holmes' carefully calculated approach allowed her to prepare a legal case without Cruise getting wind of it, leaving him "shocked" at the seemingly sudden move.

Both publications also report that Holmes hired three different law firms in three different states.

The lengths Holmes went to in order to ensure she put Cruise on the backfoot from the start seem to suggest a determination to exit the marriage on her terms, and fast.

Seeing as the actress achieved a divorce deal that leaves her with custody of Suri just 11 days after the split was announced, it seems this smart cookie succeeded.

If only we knew exactly why Cruise seemed so keen not to see the case dragged through court ...

Image: Getty