Tom Hiddleston has said his relationship with Taylor Swift is “not a publicity stunt”.

The British actor has enjoyed a whirlwind romance with the US pop star, with the two taking trips together to Rome and Australia. He also attended a July 4 party at her house in Rhode Island, where he was pictured wearing an “I heart T.S.” T-shirt.

The relationship has attracted some critics, who argued that it could be a publicity stunt.

But Tom, 35, told the Hollywood Reporter: “Well, um. How best to put this? The truth is that Taylor Swift and I are together, and we’re very happy.”

He added: “That’s the truth. It’s not a publicity stunt.”

Taylor Swift at the Met Ball
Taylor Swift (Clint Spaulding/AP/PA)

Taylor, 26, split from her boyfriend of 15 months, DJ Calvin Harris, shortly before she was pictured with Tom.

The actor, who is currently filming Thor: Ragnarok, is nominated for an Emmy for his role in the popular BBC series The Night Manager.

On his first-ever Emmy nomination, he said: “I didn’t have any expectations, and suddenly my phone started blowing up a couple hours ago. This is the most wonderful surprise.”

Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager (BBC/The Ink Factory/Des Willie)
Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager (BBC/The Ink Factory/Des Willie)