Actors Jamie Dornan (L) and Dakota Johnson arrive for the British premiere of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' in London February 12, 2015.
Actors Jamie Dornan (L) and Dakota Johnson arrive for the British premiere of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' in London, February 12, 2015. Reuters/Paul Hackett

“Fifty Shades Darker” lead star Jamie Dornan has opened up about how portraying Christian Grey in the film franchise affects his personal life. The 34-year-old actor’s role coincides with his real-life responsibilities as a father. But Dornan said not much had to change.

"You know, I sort of don't feel like [my life] has changed that much," Dornan said in one his latest interviews. The actor currently has two kids -- Dulcie, 3, and Phoebe, 1 -- with wife Amelia Warner.

If there is one thing that has greatly changed his life, that is becoming a father. “I don't know if you have kids, but it is totally life transforming,” he exclaimed.

Doing the “Fifty Shades Darker” as well as the first film does not alter Dornan’s ways as a father, but he did admit that playing Grey has changed his lifestyle. He is now more recognised than he was years ago.

Dornan said being more popular now is nothing crazy. The actor does well in blending in.

As for working alongside Dakota Johnson, (Anastasia Steele) Dornan said they have turned out to be good friends. He has admitted that being friends with his leading lady in the film is actually a good thing, especially since they are required to do some steamy scenes.

Dornan believes that he and Johnson need to have each other’s back and be partners in doing sexy scenes for the film. They need to love and respect each other like how they do now.

The actor further shared that they count themselves lucky for working together so well. Work could be a lot more difficult if they could not see eye to eye. For the actor, not getting on well with co-stars is a horror story.

Johnson expressed agreement with her co-star. "Jamie and I have become so close that [filming the second movie] was like going to work with your friend every day,” the actress told Entertainment Tonight.

Johnson even teased fans that “Fifty Shades Darker” has a lot more sexy scenes when compared to “Fifty Shades of Grey.” She revealed that in the second film, characters and their personalities will be explored further. In relation to this, the actress said feeling comfortable with the film’s lead actor is crucial.

“Fifty Shades Darker” also stars Marcia Gay Harden (Grey’s mum), Rita Ora (Mia), Luke Grimes (Elliot) and Hugh Dancy (Grey’s psychiatrist). The film is expected to hit Australian theatres on Feb. 9.

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