Relationship of the Week
May 5, 2002

Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes

As their relationship goes from strength to strength, is marriage the next step?

They are: English rose actress Kate Winslet, 26, and British film director Sam Mendes, 36.

Status: The couple came out as an item last November.

The Ex-Files: Sam has been linked to a bevvy of beauties including Rachel Weiz, Mariella Frostrup, Jane Horrocks and Calista Flockhart. Kate, meanwhile has only had two serious relationships - the first with TV scriptwriter Stephen Tedre who died of cancer in 1997; the second with film producer Jim Threaplton who she marrid in 1998. The world was stunned when Kate announced in November last year that her seemingly perfect marriage to Jim, the father of her daughter Mia, was over. Their divorce papers cited his "unreasonable behaviour" as the cause of the break up.

How they met: Kate first met Sam last year to discuss the possibility of her taking part in the anniversary celebrations of London's Donmar Warehouse theatre, where he was the artistic director. The couple are adamant that Kate's relationship with Jim was already over. "she ahd already split from Jim in late August," declares Sam. "Some time in September it went from being friends to something deeper."

First date: In a bid to avoid a media frenzy, the couple shared a number of very discreet dinners in London's West end.

Romantic gifts: Though both wealthy, Sam and Kate are not the extravagant of people. They much prefer to buy each other books than flash jewellery and designer clobber.

Where they live: At the moment Kate lives with baby Mia in a small flat in Holloway, North London. But she and Sam have been spotted together in smart Regent's Park looking at properties around the £5million mark.

Where they go: The pair have always kept a low profile, but since their first public appearance together in December at the New York premiere of Kate's film Iris, they do pop up at various award ceremonies, movie premieres and A-list parties.

Where they holiday: The couple eschew exotic travel locations for the simple pleasure of spending their free time with their families in England.

Mutual Friends: With such successful careers, Sam and Kate move in high-powered circles. Close friends include Kevin Spacey, Emma Thompson, Mick Jagger, Leonardo DiCaprio and the Blairs.

Rocky Moments: The couple survived the initial press onslaught in which he was accused of being a marriage wrecker and she of exchanging her husband for a more powerful Hollywood player.

State of Play: Things are going from strength to strength. Though Kate and Sam remain wary of giving away too many details, his family are more forthcoming. His stepmother says: "If they were to get married it would make Sam so happy. They are still getting to know each other, but the signs are good."

He says: "I am deliriously happy."

She says: "We are both very happy, we're unbelievably happy."

Source: Heat Magazine (UK)
Text Courtesy of katethegreat