James Corden jokes he's ''in talks'' for 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

The rotund funnyman said only scheduling conflicts are keeping him from landing the lead role in the big screen adaptation of E.L. James' erotic novel.

He joked to BANG Showbiz: ''We're in talks about it, yeah. It's just a diary issue more than anything.

''I think to anyone who's read the book I'm a natural candidate, I'm the first person that comes to your mind.''

The lead role of Christian Grey is currently vacant after Charlie Hunnam recently dropped out, but James is focusing on more suitable projects.

He was speaking at the premiere of 'One Chance' in Leicester Square, London tonight (17.10.13) and he was glad to learn director David Frankel described him as prompt while they were shooting the biopic, which is based on the life of the inaugural 'Britain's Got Talent' winner Paul Potts.

He added: ''My mum would be disappointed if I wasn't [prompt]! Actors are strange.

''They are always late to set and then moan about the fact they are getting home late. So I always think - if you get there at least on time, there's a better chance of leaving.''