The latest installment in the phenomenally successful erotic franchise will examine the inner facets of millionaire Christian Grey, from the secret behind his success as an entrepreneur to his penchant for BDSM, the creation of his infamous "red room of pain" - and of course, why he is drawn to his would-be spanking cohort, Anastasia Steele.

"Christian is a complex character," says James, in a statement from her publisher Arrow. "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. It’s been a great pleasure to return to my happy place – writing, being with Christian and Ana in their universe, and working with the fantastic publishing teams in the US and the UK."

"His world is neat, disciplined and empty – until the moment that Anastasia Steele stumbles into his office," the publishing team add. "What is it about her that captivates him? Why can’t he forget her? He is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist."

They promised that the new book, published on 18 June (the date of Grey's fictional birthday), would be "just as addictive as the trilogy".

EL James announces new Fifty Shades book told from Christian's perspective