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    1. Culture

    50 Shades is now the best-selling British book of all time

    The raunchy novel has even overtaken the Highway Code

    By Marie Claire
    Published 8 August 2012 In Features

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    Fifty Shades of Grey movie - Marie Claire - Marie Claire UK
    Fifty Shades of Grey movie - Marie Claire - Marie Claire UK
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    The raunchy novel has even overtaken the Highway Code

    Can you believe it? Fifty Shades of Grey is now the UK's best-selling book of all time.

    The erotic novel, which tells the story of a kinky relationship between controlling billionaire Christian Grey and innocent graduate Anastasia Steele, has sold over 5.3m copies in physical and ebook format.

    It has even overtaken the Highway Code. Crikey.

    The sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, have sold 3.6m and 3.2m, bringing the total sales to over 12m in the UK alone.

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    MEET THE WRITER OF THE NEW 50 SHADES

    Author EL James expressed her excitement earlier today, saying: 'I simply had no idea they would be so successful and this is totally unexpected. The whole process has been both extraordinary and rewarding.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    'I couldn't be more pleased with the sales and would like to thank everyone involved.'

    CHANNEL YOUR INNER SEDUCTRESS

    The book has also sparked an increase in the sale of sex toys used in it - manufacturers recorded a worldwide shortage of 'jiggle balls' last month.

    The film rights to the book have been bought by Universal Features and Focus Features, with Ryan Gosling and Emma Watson speculated to play the leads.

    MORE 50 SHADES

    LATEST WORLD NEWS

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