Thunderbirds were go this morning when one of the show's famous vehicles hit the Thames.

The Thunderbird 4 model, which measures 15ft and is made from fibre-glass, took a team of TV prop builders more than six weeks to build.

It was winched on to the river in east London before making its way past landmarks including The London Eye and the Palace of Westminster to mark the return of the show to TV.

Thunderbirds Are Go starts on ITV this Saturday with Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike as Lady Penelope with Kayvan Novak as Brains. David Graham is reprising his original role as the driver, Parker.

While the original series featured puppets, the new version will mix CGI animation with live action sets.

ITV Studios Adrian Last said: " Thunderbirds is a classic British show, so we wanted to celebrate the launch of the new series Thunderbirds Are Go on ITV by building one of the iconic vehicles and surprising commuters on their way to work.

"Seeing Thunderbird 4 cruising down the River Thames brings back a feeling of nostalgia for those that remember the show from 50 years ago and puts a smile on the face of the young.

"Londoners shouldn't be worried though as Thunderbird 4 wasn't out on a rescue mission today - it's just battling the choppy waters of the Thames."

The show, created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, featured the adventures of the Tracy family who jetted around the world in a variety of amazing vehicles performing daredevil rescues.

The new version kicks off on Saturday at 5pm with a double episode, before moving to an 8am slot on the same day.

PA Media