Rory Kinnear and Daniel Craig standing at the front of a speedboat on the Grand Union Canal in Camden during the filming of Spectre. Photos: Ian West/PA Wire

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.

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.

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.

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 e-mails 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.

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.

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.