by Cal McGhee

Sam Taylor-Johnson (47)  is no longer tied to the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy.

While Taylor-Johnson's direction of 50 Shades of Grey has been praised, she has opted not to direct its sequels 50 Shades Darker and 50 Shades Freed, she has said in a statement.

Acknowledging the "intense and incredible journey" of directing the enormously popular bestseller, Taylor-Johnson said:  "I forged close and lasting relationships with the cast, producers and crew and most especially, with Dakota and Jamie."

On passing the torch in regards to a new director for the franchise, she added: "I wish nothing but success to whoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three."

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Taylor-Johnson's decision to step down as director follows the much-publicisedon-set tensions with 50 Shades author EL James, of which she said: "We would have proper on-setbarneys, and I'm not confrontational, but it was about finding a way between the two of us, satisfying her vision of what she'd written as well as my need to visualise this person on screen."

The first instalment of 50 Shades of Grey has amassed over €500m at the box office since its Valentine's Day release.

During the early stages of production on 50 Shades of Grey, the internet was abuzz with cast wish-lists and input from fans on the structure of the film, and it is expected that the hardcore readers will take to social media once again with suggestions for a new director for the much-anticipated sequels.

Taylor-Johnson was best known for her 2009 directorial debut film Nowhere Boy, which starred her future husband Aaron Taylor-Johnson (24) in the main role as John Lennon. The couple have two children together - Wylda Rae (4) and Romy Hero (3).