TONGUES are still wagging in Hollywood that actress Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham are drifting apart, after one brushed the other off in an LA restaurant.

Holmes was notably absent from Victoria's 34th birthday celebrations last week, and now the UK's Daily Mail reports they acted as if they didn't know each other when they unexpectedly met at The Polo Lounge in LA.

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"Tom got up and bear-hugged Victoria, but Katie didn't get up from the table. It was strange," a diner said.

But a spokesman insists they are still best pals: "They all had a drink together. And Tom and Katie and David and Victoria were all out for dinner together last Friday."

Observers will be keen to see if Holmes appears at Victoria Beckham's bigger birthday party tonight.