New Fifty Shades Of Grey book stolen: Publisher confirms novel still set for release on Christian's birthday

Fans of the erotic novel can breathe a sigh of relief as it has been confirmed that the new Fifty Shades Of Grey book is still set for release on Christian Grey's birthday, despite a copy being stolen.

Penguin Random House, who are publishing Grey, have confirmed to IBTimes UK that there will be no delays to the release of the novel in light of the theft, meaning fans can keep 18 June in their diary.

A spokeswoman for the publishing house said: "Grey will be published on June 18th – Christian Grey's birthday – as planned."

The Mirror reported that the police are investigating the book's disappearance amid fears that it could be sold on the black market before the official release date.

Fans are now speculating whether extracts from the book will be leaked, similar to J.K. Rowling's plight when the entire Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows book was leaked in 2007.

News of the Fifty Shades sequel was announced in May with author EL James revealing that it will finally give fans an insight into the "complex" mind of the S&M-obsessed billionaire.

In her statement, the 45-year-old explained: "This book is dedicated to those readers who asked... and asked... and asked... and asked for this.

"Christian is a complex character, and readers have always been fascinated by his desires and motivations, and his troubled past. Also, as anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows, there are two sides to every story."

The surprise new instalment comes just a few months after the feature-length adaptation of the first book hit cinemas, starring Irish actor Jamie Dornan as Grey and US star Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele.

The sequel, Fifty Shades Darker, is due to hit cinema screens in 2016.