Actor Charlie Hunnam has dropped out of the film version of Fifty Shades Of Grey just a month after he was cast in the lead role.
The Sons Of Anarchy star had signed up to play Christian Grey in the big-screen adaptation of EL James' erotic best-seller, alongside actress Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele.
However it was confirmed on Saturday evening that he had quit the role, with US publication The Hollywood Reporter saying he was too busy with his TV work to commit.
"The filmmakers of Fifty Shades Of Grey and Charlie Hunnam have agreed to find another male lead given Hunnam's immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey.
EL James also announced the news on her Twitter page, saying: "I wish Charlie all the best."
The actor - who found fame in the Channel 4 drama Queer As Folk - had been a controversial choice for the role, with many fans of the book far from happy at the thought of him and Dakota Johnson in the lead roles.
A petition was subsequently set up online urging producers to replace the pair with actors Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel, who had previously been tipped for the film.
Charlie later admitted he was 'not, on the surface, what everyone imagined' when it came to visualising Christian Grey'.
Reports suggest he will assist producers in finding his replacement in the project.
Fifty Shades Of Grey is due to open in the US on August 1 2014, although a UK release date has not yet been confirmed.
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