Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz lead James Bond cast in 'clap for carers'

The cast of No Time To Die joined the chorus of applause for the NHS that was heard across the UK on Thursday, 26 March.

A video shared on the official 007 social media channels showed New York-residents Daniel Craig and wife Rachel Weisz clapping together with the caption: “Thank you to everyone, everywhere, who is working to keep us safe. #ClapForOurCarers #ClapForCarers #ClapForNHS”.

The pre-recorded video also shows Rory Kinnear, who plays MI6 Chief of Staff Bill Tanner in the recent Bond films, Naomie Harris (Moneypenny), and Ben Whishaw (Q) all emphatically clapping from their respective homes.

The video was posted online at 8pm as the country united in a round of applause from their homes in tribute to the hard work of the NHS and our health professionals during the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

The next James Bond film No Time To Die was the first major film to delay its release in response to the emerging health crisis. It was due to be released on 2 April, but was postponed to 12 November in the first week of March.

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Many other films have followed suit including Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, Disney’s Mulan, and horror sequel A Quiet Place Part II, which have all been indefinitely delayed while studios across the country remain closed.

The royal family and the Prime Minister joined people all over the UK who flocked to their balconies and windows to applaud the NHS staff battling the coronavirus pandemic.

People took to their balconies and doorsteps to clap and cheer, while vehicles sounded their horns at 8pm on Thursday evening as a gesture of thanks to frontline healthcare heroes.

Star Wars actor John Boyega tweeted to say it was “beautiful” to hear his neighbours taking part.

Boris Johnson was joined by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak outside 10 Downing Street as they took part in the national salute.

And a video was posted on the Kensingtonroyal Instagram account showed Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis clapping to thank all those healthcare staff "working tirelessly" to help those affected by Covid-19.

The Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, was staged because "during these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful", according to the organisers.

At the same time, landmarks including Belfast City Hall, Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the London Eye were lit up as part of the #lightitblue salute.