Wimbledon star Paul Bettany has revealed he was only offered the film's starring role because Hugh Grant turned it down. The 33-year-old actor, who plays British tennis hope Peter Colt in the romantic comedy, claims movie-makers originally wrote the part for the Love Actually star. He said: 'It was originally developed for Hugh Grant. All I can say is, thank God he didn't do it, whatever the reason.' The Master and Commander actor admits he was delighted to be given the lead role in a mainstream movie. Bettany - who is married to stunning actress Jennifer Connolly - has starred in a string of cult classics such as 'Gangster Number One' and 'Dogville' but confessed he was becoming concerned about being type-cast. He added: 'I am wary of being seen as too cool. I want to be free to make a western, a monster flick or even a costume drama.'