Fifty Shades of Grey author earns £75m in four years from worldwide hit making her the country’s fourth wealthiest author….but JK Rowling holds on to the top spot

Her books are frequently found carefully hidden among bookshelves, and when they were made into a film going to see it was treated as a clandestine affair. 

But Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James, of London, has no need to hide away after she rocketed to fourth place in the Sunday Times Rich List of authors. 

With an estimated wealth of £75million the 52-year-old knocked Jackie Collins down to fifth place. 

James' books, which detail the sadomasochistic relationship between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, have led to a film and the promise of a second and third as well as a lingerie line. Once the films have been produced the mother-of-two could move further up the rankings. 

The films, which star Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, have produced almost as much controversy as the books. The release was beset by claims that Dornan and Johnson did not get on and that the actor would not return for the second and third sequels, which he has since dismissed. 

Director Sam Taylor Johnson has stood down after the first film and instead James' husband Niall Leonard will write the next installment, Fifty Shades Darker. 

James is likely to be hopeful the next film will net her even more than the last, which took around £375million at the box office.  

However she has a way to go before she reaches the top spot held by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who has an estimated wealth of £580million. 

Rowling, who shot to fame with her novels about the adventures of Harry Potter at Hogwarts, has more wealth than the rest of the top five combined. 

Following her is Barbara Taylor Bradford, with a fortune of £149million and Lord Archer on £140million. 

Collins now shares fifth place with Ken Follett, after their wealth was estimated at £65million. 

James' fortune has not yet got her into the main Sunday Times Rich List, where entrants must have a minimum wealth of £100million. 

As part of the list, separate details of the wealthiest authors, television performers, writers and producers is compiled. 

Top of the performers list, and showing the success of his roles in Blackadder and Mr Bean, is Rowan Atkinson with an estimated wealth of £85million. The actor is dating Louise Ford, 32, after the recent breakdown of his marriage. 

Next is Sacha Baron Cohen - known for his controversial appearances as Borat and Ali G - along with his actress wife Isla Fisher. 

 

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