Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber have split after 11 years together

In a joint statement, the couple said: "Over the past few months we've come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple.

"It is with great love, respect and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship. While we appreciate your curiosity and support, we ask the press to be mindful of our children and respect their right to privacy."

Meanwhile, Naomi previously opened up about her close bond with Liev, revealing she always asks him for career advice.

She said: "We're both interested in each other's work. And we ask each other for advice, I trust his judgement and I like to think he trusts mine. I could be wrong.

"It's about supporting the other. When both parents are in the creative arts, it's not nine-to-five. Sometimes our schedules mean we spend a lot more time at home than most parents. And then there are times we have to travel for long periods.

"If one of us feels very passionately about a job, the other supports and takes over. That's the nature of the profession. But we always make it work."