Jennifer Garner is "leaning on friends" following her split with Ben Affleck

A source told People: "Jen has been leaning on friends. She has a close circle of pals who she trusts and are really protective of her. Her girlfriends have been really supportive. They just want her to be happy."

Meanwhile, a friend previously claimed split has been "on the cards" for the pair - who have three children, Violet, nine, Seraphina, six, and Samuel, three, together - for a long time.

The insider said: "This has been on the cards for some time - it's a miracle Jen hung on so long. She has really tried but recently Ben has been back to his old self. He was drinking again while filming 'Gone Girl' and has been gambling loads too.

"Jen's fed up with him flying off to Vegas for gambling sessions and going on other solo trips, leaving her holding the family together. Their household is pretty much alcohol free so he would disappear when he wanted to indulge."