Farrell: 'I chose the pub over my son'

Colin Farrell has revealed that his drinking used to be out of control.

The 33-year-old actor, who has 6-year-old son James with ex-girlfriend Kim Bordenave and 4-month-old Henry with Alicja Bachleda, said that there was a time when he was more interested in drinking than spending time with his eldest son.

Farrell told Jonathan Ross on his TV show: "There were times when I was with my son and I was wondering how long I would have to spend before I could go off and get pissed."

The star, who is teetotal, added: "Now - two hours in the pub, then I get bored. I was at that party for long enough."

Farrell also revealed that he nearly had a "meltdown" due to his drinking problem.