Daniel Craig honoured with award usually reserved for senior diplomats and spies

JAMES Bond star Daniel Craig has been handed the same gong awarded to the 007 agent in the spy thriller novels.

The actor, 53 has been made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, usually reserved for senior diplomats and spies.

It is the same honour received by James Bond in the novels by creator Ian Fleming — and a nod to the character he has played since 2006 up to his fifth and final 007 film, No Time to Die.

In novel From Russia With Love, a Soviet spy chief notes that 007 “was decorated with the CMG in 1953, an award usually given only on retirement from the Secret Service”.

The actor took up the mantle as the British spy with 2006’s Casino Royale and set the tone with a grittier and more brooding portrayal.

He also played the spy in 2008’s Quantum Of Solace, 2012’s Skyfall and 2015’s Spectre.

The 007 producer Barbara Broccoli has been made a CBE in the Honours List.

The 61-year-old, who has been the driving force behind the blockbuster film franchise for more than 20 years, is recognised for her services to film, drama, philanthropy and to skills.

Broccoli, with her brother Michael G Wilson, own EON Productions and have produced the last nine Bond films.

Wilson is also made a CBE in this year’s list.