ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Ben Affleck was allowed to leave rehab for the festive season.
The 45-year-old actor checked into an unknown facility at the beginning of the month to seek treatment for his substance abuse and, although he takes his programmes very seriously, he was given permission to freeze his plan so he could spend Christmas with his children - Violet, 12, Seraphina, eight, and Samuel, five, whom he has with estranged wife Jennifer Garner - and his girlfriend Lindsay Shookus.
According to the New York Post newspaper’s Page Six column, Affleck was spotted tucking into a tasty meal at Nobu in Malibu, California, on Tuesday.
The sources said Affleck stayed sober throughout the meal but is expected to return to his rehab facility at the beginning of the year in order to complete his treatment.
Affleck first sought treatment for his substance abuse in 2001 and completed a second program earlier this year, before returning to the centre for help in December.
A source said: “Affleck’s main priorities have never wavered.
"He’s focused on his family and spending time with Shookus.
"Dealing with this disease is something he’ll have to work on for the rest of his life and he remains focused on it.”
