Paint brand Valspar is the latest name in the DIY industry to capitalise on the frenzy surrounding the recent release of the erotic film Fifty Shades of Grey.

The company has created a bespoke Mr Christian grey paint, available exclusively at Valspar counters in B&Q stores nationwide. Named after the key character in the film, Christian Grey, it is available in eight different finishes and is described on the tin as a 'dominant shade of grey'.

Brand manager and trends spokesperson for Valspar Europe, Claire Cullen, commented: "Grey is the perfect neutral and when combined with a splash of colour it can really bring a room to life. There are so many shades of grey (sorry Mr Christian, there are more than 50) that it is easy to find just the right one to go with your favourite hue."

The company says that, between them, Valspar and B&Q boast the widest selection of shades of grey in the UK.

To exploit the hype generated by the film B&Q was reported to have sent a memo to staff telling them to read up about bondage practices and expect a surge of enquiries about rope and tape. The 'memo' was later revealed to be a spoof, but it made headlines around the world.

Gorilla Glue has also released a warning that its Gorilla Tape could cause injuries if not used for the purpose intended.