James Bond has captured the British spirit for generations – so it may be appropriate that the 007 star Daniel Craig performed that most British of gestures, the V sign, as he filmed the new movie.

Daniel Craig shooting the new James Bond film in London
(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

The smiling star flicked his fingers as he was spotted at London’s Camden Lock alongside co-star Rory Kinnear as they worked on the 24th film, Spectre.

Daniel Craig and Rory Kinnear film the new Bond film in London
Daniel Craig and Rory Kinnear film the new Bond movie in London (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

He may have been referring to the villains he has faced, or his former screen love Vesper Lynd – or perhaps he was simply having playful fun with onlookers as he stood on a motorised rib boat.

A section of the canal was closed off as Craig and Kinnear filmed a river scene, which appeared to involve the boat going through an arched bridge and under a building on the canal-side.

A large floodlight has also been suspended from a crane on the opposite bank.

Daniel Craig and Rory Kinnear film Spectre
Daniel Craig and Rory Kinnear on location (Ian West/PA Wire)

Filming, which began a week ago, takes place amid a series of online leaks of sensitive information from the film company Sony, which has led to legal threats about publishing material that has emerged.

Embarrassing emails about stars and salaries are among the communications that have come to light and a draft version of the Spectre script has also been leaked.

Bond 24 Spectre cast
(Doug Peters/EMPICS)

The new film is being directed by Sam Mendes, returning for a second Bond film, and the cast will include Christoph Waltz and Sherlock star Andrew Scott.

A picture of Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux at the Spectre launch
Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux will be Bond girls in Spectre (Joel Ryan/Invision/Press Association Images)

Also to appear are French actress Lea Seydoux and Italian star Monica Bellucci, while Craig is reprising his role as 007 for a fourth time.

The film will be released on November 6 next year.