'Skyfall' has scored the second best ever opening weekend at the UK box office.

The 23rd James Bond movie - starring Daniel Craig as the suave spy - took an impressive £20.1 million from Friday (26.10.12) to Sunday (29.10.12), becoming the biggest ever 007 opening weekend.

However, it is still behind 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2', the finale of J.K. Rowling's book adaptation series.

The film - starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - was released last July and took £23 million in its first three days on general release.

However, 'Skyfall' is the all-time most attended film on a Saturday in the UK.

Sony executive Rory Bruer said of the takings: ''This picture has such an incredible DNA and to be so loved by critics and audiences alike will push it be one of the biggest, if not biggest, Bond pics.''

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli added: ''We are absolutely overwhelmed with the reaction to 'Skyfall' this weekend. It is particularly thrilling as the UK is home to James Bond and it being the 50th anniversary year.''