Craig has licence to thrill crowds at premiere

James Bond is back - and stars of music, television and screen were out in force last night for the world premiere of the latest 007 film, Casino Royale.

Daniel Craig made his debut as the secret agent in the eagerly anticipated film and thousands of fans flocked to Leicester Square in the West End of London for a glimpse of the star.

Craig arrived to sounds of the Bond theme tune and greeted fans during a short walkabout. The successor to Pierce Brosnan plays a gritty, darker Bond in the 21st film of the franchise.

The 38-year-old was joined at the premiere by his American girlfriend, Satsaki Mitchell, 29.

Asked how the latest film compares to the others he replied: "It's not up to me to compare them. Casino Royale is still a Bond movie and there's a love story."