'She told her to go with her heart': Naomi Watts disclosed her plans to split with partner Liev Schreiber to close friend Nicole Kidman weeks before making it public

By Bianca La Cioppa For Daily Mail Australia and Iona Kirby For Dailymail.com

Published: 03:24 EST, 4 October 2016 | Updated: 07:09 EST, 4 October 2016

The entertainment world was left shocked last week after Naomi Watts announced her split to Liev Schriber.

Now it's been reported the Australian actress disclosed her plans to end her relationship to close friend Nicole Kidman weeks earlier.

According to Woman's Day magazine, the mother-of-two 'buried the hatched with Nicole' after admitting 'Liev would fly off the handle a lot'.

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By her side: Naomi Watts disclosed her plans to end her relationship with Liev Schriber to close friend Nicole Kidman weeks earlier

By her side: Naomi Watts disclosed her plans to end her relationship with Liev Schriber to close friend Nicole Kidman weeks earlier

A friend close to the pair told the publication, 'Naomi admitted to Nic that she was ready to walk away from Liev.'

They added Nicole willingly listened to her close friend vent but was still in shock after she confirmed her split publicly.

'It was a real surprise for Nicole, but she listened to what Naomi had to say and told her she needed to go with her heart,' the friend explained.

Hard times: The mother-of-two 'buried the hatched with Nicole' after admitting 'Liev would fly off the handle a lot'

Hard times: The mother-of-two 'buried the hatched with Nicole' after admitting 'Liev would fly off the handle a lot'

Surprised: They added Nicole willingly listened to her close friend vent but was still in shock after she confirmed her split publicly

Surprised: They added Nicole willingly listened to her close friend vent but was still in shock after she confirmed her split publicly

Naomi and Liev confirmed last Monday they decided to split up after 11 years and two children together.

In a joint statement, they 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.'

Supportive: The actress' friend explained: 'It was a real surprise for Nicole, but she listened to what Naomi had to say and told her she needed to go with her heart'

Supportive: The actress' friend explained: 'It was a real surprise for Nicole, but she listened to what Naomi had to say and told her she needed to go with her heart'

Naomi, 47, and Liev, 48, added: 'While we appreciate your curiosity and support, we ask the press to be mindful of our children and respect their right to privacy.'

The couple, who never married, have been in a relationship since 2005. 

They are parents to two sons: Alexander 'Sasha', nine, and seven-year-old Samuel Kai. 

TMZ have claimed that the couple 'were on shaky ground as early as January, when they first discussed splitting' and were reportedly already living apart.  

Over: Naomi and Liev confirmed last Monday they decided to split up after 11 years and two children together

Over: Naomi and Liev confirmed last Monday they decided to split up after 11 years and two children together

Behind the scenes: The couple, who never married, have been in a relationship since 2005 abd are parents to two sons: Alexander 'Sasha', nine, and seven-year-old Samuel Kai

Behind the scenes: The couple, who never married, have been in a relationship since 2005 abd are parents to two sons: Alexander 'Sasha', nine, and seven-year-old Samuel Kai

In March, Naomi confessed during an interview with Los Angeles Confidential magazine that their relationship wasn't always smooth sailing. 

'Relationships are hard whether you're famous or not,' she explained. 'I don't know anyone who doesn't have to work on it. Being an actor doesn't change anything.

'I'm sure it's the same if you're a doctor or a couple of lawyers. You have high-pressure jobs, lots of hours, stresses that come unexpectedly - and you have to figure out how to be present in the midst of it all.'  

Tough: In March, Naomi confessed during an interview with Los Angeles Confidential magazine that their relationship wasn't always smooth sailing 

Tough: In March, Naomi confessed during an interview with Los Angeles Confidential magazine that their relationship wasn't always smooth sailing 

On sale now: The source spoke to the latest edition of Woman's Day magazine

On sale now: The source spoke to the latest edition of Woman's Day magazine

 

 

 

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