Friends of Helena Bonham Carter have suggested that her partner of 13 years, director Tim Burton, is going through "a classic mid-life crisis" which has lead to their split.
The actress confirmed her break-up from the 56-year-old American director and father of their children, Billy (11), and Nell (seven), yesterday (December 23).
The MailOnline reports a source close to Bonham Carter (48) as saying, "Tim is having a classic mid-life crisis. All Helena's friends think he's a terrible old cliche. Helena gave him a lot of time to sort himself out."
The website also quotes another source who says: "Helena was very upset at the Chequers party earlier this month hosted by Samantha Cameron. Other guests noticed she was in a bad way. She is really upset. It's all still very raw and they only told the children two weeks ago."
Burton first directed Bonham Carter in Planet of the Apes in 2001 and have collaborated on over seven films since, including Alice in Wonderland and Corpse Bride.
