Friel, Thewlis split after nine years

Actors Anna Friel and David Thewlis have announced they have separated after nine years as a couple.

The pair have a 5-year-old daughter together but have faced a number of rumours over the past year that their relationship was suffering due to work commitments.

"Things have not been great for a long time and they have tried to keep this quiet to protect everyone," a source told The Daily Mail. "It certainly did not help that Anna and David have been forced to live apart for so long, but there are other issues that made them realise the relationship was over."

The source confirmed the couple will remain in contact for the sake of their daughter and are planning to spend some time together over the Christmas period.

Thewlis is best known for his role as Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter franchise while Friel rose to fame after taking part in a controversial lesbian kiss scene on former soap Brookside.