Helena Bonham Carter thinks her dogs have helped her to overcome relationship heartache.
Helena Bonham Carter
The 54-year-old actress - who has Nell, 13, and Billy, 17, with her ex Tim Burton - has revealed that her beloved dogs have played a crucial role in helping her to bounce back from her split from the director in 2014.
Helena - who is now dating writer Rye Dag Holmboe - shared: "It’s no secret that I split up with the father of my children. So when you divorce - and I share this only because I think it helps other people - part of the trauma of it is that you lose the sense of your family."
However, Helena's dogs have played a pivotal role in her life over recent years.
The actress also revealed that her pooches are popular with her kids.
She said on Instagram Live: "In remaking the next unit, I think the dogs have been amazing. They’ve helped the children too."
Helena previously described her split from Tim as a "cruel" experience.
But she also revealed that their situation has become easier over time.
She said: "It’s taken us some time to adjust, but I think it’s really very good now. And the kids are fine, they get to have a dual life. At first it’s a horrible thing to get used to, not having your children around [when you share custody].
"The cruelty of divorce is extraordinary. But then you get to a point where you’re like, 'Oh, I get this week off!' Some parts are very much to be recommended."
Despite this, Helena couldn't retain a "stiff upper lip" amid their split.
She reflected: "It’s a horrible thing to be in public and going through a personal fragmentation, and I’ve never been a pretender. The stiff upper lip, I find boring."
Tagged in Helena Bonham Carter Tim Burton