Los Angeles: Longtime partners Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton have separated. A spokeswoman for Bonham Carter confirmed Tuesday that the couple split earlier this year. Publicist Melody Korenbrot says the two separated amicably "and have continued to be friends and co-parent their children." She asked for privacy for the couple and their son and daughter. Though Bonham Carter and Burton never married, they became creative and romantic partners after he directed her in 2001's 'Planet of the Apes'. Their other credits together include 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street', 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Dark Shadows'.

Burton's latest film is 'Big Eyes', which earned Golden Globe nominations for stars Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz and its original song by Lana del Rey.