Fifty Shades Darker: Hugh Dancy cast as Christian Grey's psychiatrist

Dancy joins returning actors Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson alongside newcomer Kim Basinger

Hugh Dancy will play Dr John Flynn in Fifty Shades sequel Fifty Shades Darker (Getty Images)

Hugh Dancy has been cast as Christian Grey’s psychiatrist in upcoming sequel Fifty Shades Darker.

The English actor and model, best known for playing Will Graham in the Hannibal TV series, is set to star as Dr John Flynn alongside returning lead actor Jamie Dornan.

In EL James’ erotic novels, Flynn lives in Seattle but originally comes from Britain, so any potentially dodgy American accent attempts will be avoided.

Elsewhere, Dakota Johnson reprises her role as Grey’s BDSM submissive Anastasia Steele with Marcia Gay Harden, Rita Ora, Kim Basinger and Tyler Hoechlin all scheduled to appear. Basinger’s casting in the key role of Grey’s business partner and former lover Elena Lincoln was announced in January.

Filming is already underway, with James Foley taking over from departing director Sam Taylor-Johnson, who left following a highly-publicised clash with author James on the set of first film Fifty Shades of Grey.

Fifty Shades Darker is shooting back-to-back with the final instalment in the blockbuster franchise, Fifty Shades Freed.

It arrives in UK cinemas on 10 February 2017, just in time for Valentine’s Day.