The odd couple revealed: Helena Bonham Carter on why Tim Burton's snoring and her bossiness have driven them into twin homes



They are together, but they live apart.

Now Helena Bonham Carter has revealed the reasons behind her and Tim Burton’s unconventional living arrangements.

The 44-year-old actress confessed that the film director snores – and admitted that she is ‘outrageously bossy’.

But she insisted they are not a ‘mad couple’ and claimed living in separate sides of a conjoined property has been good for their nine-year relationship.

In step: Helena Bonham Carter says her relationship with director Tim Burton is enhanced by their separate homes

She said: ‘Tim does snore, and that’s an element. We’ve tried lots of remedies that don’t work. He has a deviated septum and doesn’t want an operation.

‘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.’



She added in an interview with Radio Times: ‘It’s not enforced intimacy. It’s chosen, which is quite flattering – if you can afford it.’

The star said she was so bossy at home that film director Burton, 52, called her ‘the Chief’.

The couple live in Hampstead, North London with their children Billy Ray, seven, Nell, three, and a nanny.

Luxury homes: Helena and Tim live in adjoining apartments in this smart Art Deco block

Their twin homes are accessed by a communal door and each side has its own distinct decor – hers girly, his gothic and containing ‘skeletons and weird things’ and floor lights in neon shades.



They each have their own television, their own Sky Plus and their own kitchen – although Burton’s is barely used.



Miss Bonham Carter also claims her ‘half’ is cosier because it has the property’s sole fireplace.



It is understood that at night they sleep in their respective halves of the property – because of Burton’s snoring and also because he is an insomniac who likes to watch television at night.

Teamwork: Helena recently starred in the latest adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, which was directed by Tim

The two homes are joined by a ground level communal room.



Miss Bonham Carter said in a recent interview: ‘It really is a great idea. You never have to compromise emotionally or feel invaded.’

The couple, who met on the set of Planet of the Apes in 2001, said they have no plans to marry.



‘We’re told we’re stupid (for inheritance tax reasons), but it’s a habit we’re used to,’ said Miss Bonham Carter.



She also claimed that parenting is more of a challenge than acting, adding: ‘It’s no reflection on them, but working is much more of a doddle.’

Wide range: Helena plays Queen Elizabeth, wife of George VI, in her latest film, The King's Speech

In contrast to many of her contemporaries, the star insists that she is getting more work as she gets older.



‘I feel at 44 I’ve at last come into my own and am less shy than I was. Ageing has been good for my career,’ she said.

‘I’ve had more interesting parts. So much of the profession is defined by your looks. If you’ve played ingénues, beauty goes. Luckily I can always change myself.

‘I love acting more and more. It’s complete escapism – not that my life is something to escape from.’