British actor Jamie Dornan has been chosen to portray 'Christian Grey' in the film adaptation of '50 Shades of Grey', reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Dornan will be replacing fellow Brit Charlie Hunnam, who backed out of the leading man role earlier this month (Oct 12th).

Hunnam and Universal released a statement confirming his departure from the project citing an "immersive TV schedule," being the reason for his exit, "which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey."

Since then, there has been much speculation that the real cause for his abrupt withdrawal was the unwanted attention from media and the fan frenzy surrounding the project.

Further rumours suggest Hunnam also had issues with Kelly Marcel's screenplay adaptation of the erotic novel.

It was reported just over a week ago that the British model/actor was the target for Hunnam's replacement as the director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, drafted a list of four men the production team desired to try-out for the role of billionaire S&M fan 'Christian Grey'.Dornan was their favourite.

The report further states Dornan read with co-star Dakota Johnson (Anastasia Steele) for the director, author E.L. James and producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti on Friday. Billy Magnussen and Francois Arnaud were also tested on the same day(Oct 18).

The 31 year-old actor, who dated Kiera Knightly for two years and modelled for Calvin Klein, was cast promptly into the role as the studio wanted to begin production on the scheduled date of November 1st 2013.

The film adaptation is slated for a August 1st 2014 release date.

Jamie Dornan
Jamie Dornan is the new 'Christian Grey'

christian grey
Dornan replaced fellow Brit, Charlie Hunnam