Record Breaker "Harry Potter" Fastest-Selling Book

The latest Harry Potter adventure has become the fastest-selling book in history after smashing first day sales records worldwide.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', the seventh instalment in J.K. Rowling's magical adventure series, surpassed expectations with 15 million copies being sold since its release on Saturday (21.07.07).

Borders Group reported global sales of 1.2 million copies on the first day of the book's release, the biggest ever first day sale figures for the bookseller chain.

In comparison, the company sold just 850,000 copies of the sixth book, 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince', on its first day in 2005.

British supermaket chain Asda said 450,000 books were sold between midnight and 4pm on Saturday.

A spokesman said: "We're selling them at twice the speed of previous issues."

US publisher Scholastic Corp. also reported staggering sales with 8.3 million copies flying off the shelves, smashing the previous record set by the sixth volume at 6.9 million.

Online retailer Amazon.com received a record 2.2 million advance orders worldwide.

Author Rowling is believed to have made an astonishing £54 million in royalties from the first day sales of the book alone.

Meanwhile, Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe is finally set to get his hands on his £23 million fortune today (23.07.07) as he celebrates his 18th birthday.

The actor - who has played the boy wizard in all five movies - will get access to a trust set up by his parents to safeguard his millions.

Daniel Radcliffe's Padded Pants

Daniel Radcliffe had to wear padded underwear to protect his manhood while filming the latest 'Harry Potter' movie.

The 17-year-old actor also needed easy access stripper-style trousers for scenes in which the teenage wizard takes to the skies on his broomstick.

Radcliffe said: "I had padded shorts under my trousers. I also other trousers that must have belonged to the Chippendales because they've got Velcro that rips apart to get the harness on for flying, then sticks back together."

The young star's assets were allowed much more freedom in his recent stint on the London stage in 'Equus'. For his role as Alan Strang, who becomes erotically obsessed with a horse, Radcliffe had to bare all every night.

He said: "It was the most exhilarating thing I have ever done. I did it to shake up people's perception of me. People tend to think I'm a Peter Pan figure, but I'm definitely not, I promise you."

'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' hits cinemas worldwide next month.

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"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who play young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, say they have experimented just like all other teenagers.

Emma, 17, said: "You are careful not to do it in the public eye. You have your first cigarette or first glass of alcohol in a safe environment with your close friends - or you could be foolish and choose to do it in a London nightclub."

18-year-old Rupert added: "Because we are quite busy we do miss out, but we still have those kinds of experiences like getting drunk for the first time."

Despite enjoying going out, Daniel, 17, says he always puts his work first.

He revealed: "What I enjoy most is the acting and the work, but it doesn't stop us from having a party once in a while. Parties are fine and fun."