Lefevre "stunned" by 'Twilight 3' recasting

Twilight star Rachelle Lefevre has admitted that she was "stunned" to learn that she would be replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in the third instalment of the hit franchise.

The actress, who plays villainous vampire Victoria, told Access Hollywood that she had been "fully committed" to filming Eclipse despite reportedly being dropped over scheduling conflicts with another movie.

"My commitment to Barney's Version is only ten days. Summit picked up my option for Eclipse... Given the length of filming for Eclipse, never did I fathom I would lose the role over a ten-day overlap," she said.

"I was happy with my contract with Summit and was fully prepared to continue to honour it. Summit chose simply to recast the part... I am hurt deeply by Summit's surprising decision to move on without me. I wish the cast and crew of Eclipse only the very best."

She added: "I am greatly saddened that I will not get to complete my portrayal of Victoria for the Twilight audience. This is a story, a theatrical journey and a character that I truly love and about which I am very passionate. I will be forever grateful to the fan support and loyalty I’ve received."

Lefevre will make her final appearance in the saga in sequel New Moon, which arrives in cinemas in November. Eclipse will begin filming next month.