Helena Bonham Carter has spoken about her break-up from Tim Burton for the first time, saying their relationship will "always remain special".
The actress and director met in 2001 on the set of Planet of the Apes, and went on to collaborate together frequently on films which included Corpse Bride, Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
They are parents to two children, son Billy Raymond Burton and daughter Nell Burton. The couple announced that they had separated "amicably" in December 2014 after a 13-year-relationship.
Bonham Carter opened up about the split to Red magazine, saying: "I could write a thesis on what's happened and it is all-absorbing when a relationship breaks down, but I think we're coming through it, and I think we'll have something very precious still.
"Our relationship was always somewhat special, and I think it'll always remain special. We did find each other. And really, the mark of a successful relationship shouldn't be whether you're there forever after.
"Sometimes you're not meant to be forever together. Sometimes you have to come to terms with the fact that that was it. But that was a gift, a massive gift.
"We gave each other children and a lot more else. And we might be better, and still be able to give to each other, but not necessarily living together."
