Katie Holmes: I worked as hard as I could to play Jackie Kennedy

The 32-year-old actress made her comments in an interview with US Elle last November – before the US cable channel decided to drop The Kennedys because it is not a 'fit for the History brand'.

The former Dawson's Creek star told the US magazine that she immersed herself in research for the role, reading books and watching old footage of the former US First Lady with hubby Tom Cruise, and that she also spent her evenings practising Kennedy's accent.

'I worked as hard as I could,' she said, 'because I loved her. On set there was this feeling that we had to create something very special, because these people were very special.'

Holmes’ rep has yet to comment on the History Channel's decision to cancel the eight-part mini-series, which also starred Greg Kinnear as President John F Kennedy.

But, during her interview with the magazine, Holmes spoke in depth about her fascination with the former First Lady, who was at her husband's side when he was assassinated in November 1963.

She said: 'She had so much strength… I loved her love of family, how important it was for her to be a good mother.'

The History Channel made its shock announcement at the weekend, in an exclusive statement given to The Hollywood Reporter.

A rep from the US TV station told the entertainment industry bible: 'While the film is produced and acted with the highest quality, after viewing the final product in its totality we have concluded this dramatic interpretation is not a fit for the History brand…'

The Kennedys is still scheduled to air on Canadian TV in March.