Ben Affleck has described how “lucky” he is to rekindle his romance with former fiancee Jennifer Lopez, nearly 18 years after they ended their engagement.

The American actor, 49,  said that getting back with J Lo, 51, has been a “beautiful” reunion and that it has been a “great story” in reconnecting with the woman he had previously hoped to marry.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ben spoke about what it was like returning to a former love and how it is better the second time around.

 Ben said: “I can say that it’s definitely beautiful to me. And, you know, one of the things I really value across all facets of my life now is that it was handled in a way that reflected that.”

Speaking further, Ben,  who was married to Jennifer Garner from 2005 to 201 – said: “And it is a good story. It’s a great story.

“And, you know, maybe one day I’ll tell it. I’ll write it all out. And then I’ll light it on fire.”

The actor went on to say that he was “lucky” to have been given a chance to rekindle his romance with J Lo.

He continued: “I am very lucky in my life in that I have benefited from second chances, and I am aware that other people don’t even get first chances.”

Ben added that he had a chance to make it better this time as he has the failures of the previous relationship to reflect upon.

He said: “I’ve definitely tried to take advantage of that. I haven’t always been successful, but in cases in which I have, they’ve turned out to be the defining aspects of my life.”

Hollywood Life has reported that Ben and Jennifer are looking to spend every moment they can together and on Thanksgiving they celebrated by bringing all their children together with them.

Ben has Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, nine, from his marriage with Jennifer Garner, while Lopez has twins Max and Emma, 13.

A source told the publication ahead of the celebration: “They are going to make this Thanksgiving a family affair.”

Another insider said that Ben has a great arrangement with his ex-wife over co-parenting. They said: “They have it all scheduled and figured out. The kids are going to be everywhere, and Ben and J.Lo are going to spend time together.

“It all is going to work out as simply as it possibly can. There are no issues that will be coming up this holiday [season], [and] everyone is on the same page.”