Sorry, Henry Cavill, Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum and Ed Westwick; British actor Charlie Hunnam has officially won the most hotly-contested film role in eons.

Hunnammm – as we're now calling him – will star as Christian Grey in EL James’ cult trilogy Fifty Shades Of Grey.

He may be best known in Hollywood circles for his role in US comedy Sons Of Anarchy, but he started out on Byker Grove, before his career took off with the role of Nathan Maloney in the Channel 4 drama Queer As Folk.

James herself confirmed the casting news last night on Twitter, describing Hunnam as ‘talented and gorgeous’. (While anyone who saw summer’s Pacific Rim might quibble over the former point the latter is, in ELLE’s official opinion, pretty spot on. See evidence above.)

James also named Dakota Johnson, the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, as protagonist Anastasia.

Sam Taylor-Wood is directing the film, which is slated for release – unofficially – next summer.

What's your verdict: is Charlie how you saw Christian? Tweet us your thoughts @ELLEUK.