Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Burton Split: Rep For Actress Releases Statement

Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton have ended their 13-year relationship, a rep confirmed to People magazine Tuesday. The couple, who are parents to son Billy, 11, and daughter Nell, 7, actually split earlier this year.

A rep for the 48-year-old actress released a statement saying the talented couple “separated amicably earlier this year and have continued to be friends and co-parent their children. We would ask that you respect their privacy and that of their children during this time.”

Carter and Burton, 56, met while filming “Planet of the Apes” in 2001. Burton directed the film, while Carter starred as Ari. Their relationship blossomed off-screen and on-screen. The actress went on to be featured in Burton’s “Big Fish” (2003), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” remake (2005), “Corpse Bride” (2005), “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007), “Alice in Wonderland” (2010) and “Dark Shadows” (2012).

While their professional work is public, Burton has made sure to keep their romance private. Carter, however, has been open about their relationship in the past. In 2010 she revealed that they actually live apart in a conjoined London house – despite being “together.”

“Tim does snore, and that’s an element,” she dished in an interview with Radio Times. But she made it clear at the time that their unusual living arrangements didn’t mean their relationship was on the rocks.

“We see as much of each other as any couple, but our relationship is enhanced by knowing we have our personal space to retreat to,” Carter explained. “It’s not enforced intimacy. It’s chosen, which is quite flattering – if you can afford it.”

The actress has been absent from the red carpet for Burton’s latest flick, “Big Eyes,” which is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day. The director has been making the rounds during press, discussing the story of painter Margaret Keane and teasing the future of “Beetlejuice 2.” The actress, on the other hand, has been photographed shopping in London.

While the pair have called it quits romantically, they will still be working together for 2016’s “Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass.” Carter is set to reprise her role as the Red Queen, and Burton will be producing.