Bond star Daniel Craig has paid a surprise to British personnel stationed at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. The 007 actor joined 800 soldiers, sailors and airmen at the base in Helmand Province as they prepared to watch the latest installment in the spy series, Skyfall. Daniel, 44, went on a "morale-boosting" tour of the camp and saw soldiers train before they deploy to forward operating bases. The visit saw him call in on patients and medical staff at the camp's state-of-the-art Bastion Role 3 Hospital and go for a spin in the newly-introduced Foxhound armoured vehicle.
But in true Bond fashion, Daniel was not phased by the Forces' latest hi-tech gadget, which is designed to protect troops as they patrol the war-torn country's perilous roads.
Force Master Driver Rob Ingham, who gave a demonstration of the Foxhound's capabilities, said: "We get quite a lot of visitors here, but having James Bond was special. He seemed to be pretty comfortable in the driving seat. "On a final stop, the actor was taught techniques used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Search Task Force teams to search for roadside bombs.
Squadron Sergeant Major Paul Ward said: "His interest in the work of the EOD and Search Task Force is really appreciated. Our training is critical to keeping Afghans and our own soldiers safe."
After watching Skyfall, troops seemed to agree with critics and fans that it is among the best Bond films ever. Royal Air Force Sergeant Dave Hammond said: "It was like a return to the old James Bonds. There was a bit of humour and some spectacular effects. It was great to be able to see the film here and to have James Bond himself to introduce it was brilliant. The 23rd James Bond film became the highest-grossing 007 movie ever this weekend, raising an overall worldwide box office total to $669.2 million, passing the previous-best $599.2 million worldwide total taken in by Casino Royale in 2006.Daniel's visit to Afghanistan comes after the star was named British Artist of the Year at the Britannia Bafta Awards earlier this month. At the star-studded event, Daniel was joined by his proud wife Rachel Weisz and co-stars Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe.