Charlie Sheen enters rehab, exits 'Men'

Charlie Sheen is reportedly taking a leave of absence from Two and a Half Men to check into rehab.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sheen's publicist released a statement today saying the CBS sitcom star would enter a rehabilitation facility as a "preventative measure."

The statement read: "He will take some time off his series Two and a Half Men. He has asked that his privacy be honoured. No further statements are planned."

The statement reportedly came hours after Sheen failed to show up for work on the programme. It is thought that his departure came as a surprise to CBS and the show's producers.

Sheen was reportedly urged to enter rehab after returning to alcohol, after years of sobriety.

His wife Brooke Mueller is believed to have checked into a Malibu clinic earlier this month.

The actor's personal life has made the headlines on a daily basis since his Christmas arrest on domestic violence charges against his wife.

Two and a Half Men remains five episodes short of its 23-episode order for the current season. It is unclear if the show will continue filming without Sheen.