Rumours that J.J. Abrams is to quit as director of Star Wars: Episode VII have been denied by LucasFilm.

In recent weeks, there has been talk that Abrams did not want to move his family to London for production of the film and was instead considering remaining in the US to make Star Trek 3.

However, Disney-owned LucasFilm has released a statement that said: “There is no truth to the rumour. J.J. is having a great time working on the script and is looking forward to going into production next year.”

The new Star Wars film will shoot at Pinewood Studios and is set for release in 2015.