007 is celebrating the big 5-0 today as Britain’s most famous spy marks half a century on the big screen.
The Martini loving, girl chasing, gun toting secret agent was first created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels. Then in 1962 Bond came to life on screen with 'Dr. No', the first Bond film starring Sean Connery.
In the past 50 years, 22 films have been made with six actors taking on the leading role. From Connery to George Lazenby, then back to Connery before Roger Moore in the 70's, Pierce Brosnan in the 90's until finally Daniel Craig rebooted the franchise in 2006, with his third appearance in 'Skyfall' due for release next month.
Sean Connery as James Bond in the first film in the franchise 'Dr No' in 1962 (PHOTO: WENN)
To celebrate the milestone Bond is going on tour with stars of the films visiting iconic locations that have featured in the movies. The tour started off its golden anniversary celebrations at Buckingham's Stoke Park, where a scene in which Bond - played by Connery - wins a golf game against 'Goldfinger' was filmed. Scenes from 'Tomorrow Never Dies' were also filmed in the park.
Richard Kiel, who played Jaws in 'The Spy Who Loved Me' and Bond-girl Britt Ekland from 'The Man With The Golden Gun' were among the stars at the event.
Meanwhile director John Glen, who took the helm of five Bond’s in the 80’s paid a visit to Nene Valley Railway in Peterborough where scenes from 1982 blockbuster ‘Octopussy’, starring Roger Moore were filmed.
The site was also home to another Bond Pierce Brosnan for scenes on 1995’s ‘Goldeneye’.
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