The publicity machine behind 'Fifty Shades of Grey' turned Jamie Dornan into a star the day his casting was announced, and it has only escalated until now. As the film finally lands in cinemas, there's barely anyone within reach of the internet who doesn't know who he is.

Jamie Dornan portrays Christain Grey in the film
Jamie Dornan portrays Christain Grey in the film

Until now, he was best known for roles in TV series in both America ('Once Upon a Time') and in the UK ('The Fall'). The 32-year-old grew up in Hollywood, well the one in County Down on the edge of Belfast. His first film role was as a Swedish hunk in Sofia Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette' in 2006.

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Then Charlie Hunnam was forced to drop out of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and Dornan got his big breakthrough role opposite Dakota Johnson. Although he says the only thing he says he has in common with Christian Grey is a love of feet.

Watch the 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Trailer Here:

Approaching the role was a challenge. To prepare, he consulted with a S&M specialist. "One rainy Tuesday evening, I kissed my wife and baby goodnight and went to watch a dominant/submissive session in a dungeon," he said. "I sat in the corner with a beer and watched. I didn't enjoy it massively, but it was helpful."

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And on the set he tried to maintain a sense of humour. "If I was about to be doing something particularly heinous to Dakota, I would apologise in advance and say, 'I'm probably not going to derive a huge amount of pleasure out of this. I want you to know that.' Basically, I just tried to make light of it." The film is finally in the hands of the fans, and if box office receipts are anything close to the rumours, it's likely that Dornan and Johnson will be back for at least two more movies.