There's many things we've learned from watching the Fifty Shades films over the years.

For example, why you should never get into a relationship with a controlling sadistic entrepreneur, the ins and outs of a BDSM contract (who knew you can be told how many times to work out a week?), and the dubious line between caring and stalking.

However, when it comes to the lessons actress Dakota Johnson took away from her role as Anastasia Steele in the franchise, she reveals the experience has taught her what it means to be a woman and actress.

'Throughout this entire experience, I've learned that I can expose my heart and my emotions and I can still protect myself,' she told Allure.

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'I can still be vulnerable and strong. It's a constant ebb and flow and a battle and trying to figure out how to have those things coexist within me. That's what I'm grateful for.'

However, despite her confidence on-screen that regularly sees the Californian actress nude in several sexual scenes with her co-star, Jamie Dornan, the 28-year-old admitted: 'Fundamentally, I'm open and warm.

'At my core, I'm a bleeding heart. But when your life is exposed and when the movie that exposes your life is exposing your emotions and your body, it can be very scary.'

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Following criticism of the E. L. James' controversial novel as a result of its arguably sexist and positive interpretation of an abusive relationship, Johnson says she wasn't intimidated by the project.

'I don't know how to explain it in a way that doesn't sound hokey, but when I'm on a project, I'm on it for a certain reason, and I'm involved with the people for a reason,' she said.

'It's always some sort of weird marriage to something that's happening in my life, or the character has some connection to something that's going on [in my life].'

'Fifty Shades Freed' is out in UK cinemas on 9 February.

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Katie O'Malley
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Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.