There was a cautious ripple of hope sent through the Game Of Thrones fan community over the weekend, when it was suggested author George R.R. Martin might have finally completed the latest instalment in the fantasy novel series.

It’s now been 15 years since the most recent instalment in the A Song Of Fire And Ice series, which served as the inspiration for the award-winning TV drama Game Of Thrones.

During that time, it’s fair to say that the wait has become something of an endurance challenge for the most devoted followers of the franchise, but it looked like their patience was going to be rewarded on Sunday, after a social media post began circulating, hinting that a release date for book number seven was imminent.

Unfortunately, publishers Bantam Books have now poured water on this speculation.

A spokesperson for the brand told Entertainment Weekly on Monday: “The online chatter you are seeing regarding a supposed leak is false.”

Martin has repeatedly said that he intends for there to be two final books in the A Song Of Fire And Ice series, which are to be titled The Winter Of Winds and A Dream Of Spring.

However, he was quick to insist that he’s “still working on” the next instalment in the saga, although various TV commitments have proved to be a distraction for him.

Back in January, the writer admitted that one of the biggest regrets of his life was that the last books in his series “aren’t done yet”.

Martin has also confirmed that the final two books in his novel series will end differently to the events of Game Of Thrones’ wildly unpopular season finale.