Fox leaves 'Transformers'

The star will not appear in the third instalment of the action...

10:56 20 May 2010

Megan Fox has announced she has quit the 'Transformers' franchise.

Following her starring role as Shia LaBeouf's love interest in the first two films, Fox will not appear in the third instalment which is due to start filming this month.

Paramount Pictures has not yet named a replacement for the 24-year-old actress. Fox played Mikaela Banes in the 2007 blockbuster and sequel, which resurrected the 1980s children's series into a global hit.

A representative for the star told People magazine: "Megan Fox will not be starring in 'Transformers 3', the publicist said."It was her decision not to return. She wishes the franchise the best."

The move follows a public row between her and 'Transformers' director Michael Bay after she reportedly said he was "a nightmare" to work for.

But Bay later said he looked forward to working with the actress on the third films, saying on his website: "P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture."

'Transformers 3' is expected to hit cinemas July 2011.