Burton 'hospitalised' to Treat Kidney Stones

Director Tim Burton was hospitalized last month (Dec10) to treat "ongoing" issues with painful kidney stones, according to a U.K. report.

Helena Bonham Carter, the star's long term partner, revealed at the British Independent Film Awards (Bifas) in early December (05Dec10) that Burton had stayed away from the ceremony due to his health problems.

She told the crowd, "My dear boyfriend, who sadly is not here... he is pushing out a kidney stone as we speak".

However, Burton's condition worsened throughout December and he was briefly hospitalized, according to Britain's Mail on Sunday.

A source tells the publication, "Tim has been ill for weeks. He thoughthe would have the all-clear by Christmas but the problem was ongoing".

Burton is said to be recovering and was well enough to attend a party in Buckinghamshire, England on New Year's Eve (31Dec10) with British PrimeMinister David Cameron.