'Day One' On Star Wars: Episode VII Film Set

Filming is officially under way on JJ Abrams' new Star Wars: Episode VII film.

The production company behind the movie, Bad Robot, tweeted a photo of a clapperboard from the set, with the hashtag #dayone.

Star Wars: Episode VII is being filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, continuing the movie series' tradition of working in the UK, although it is the first time that Abrams has filmed outside the US.

Abu Dhabi is also being used as a location for the film.

Original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill have roles in the film and are joined by a number of relative unknowns.

Earlier this week Fisher, who reprises the role of Princess Leia, said she was excited about her return.

But 57-year-old star said she would "get in trouble" if she discussed the new film.

Fisher said it is "trippy" to make a sequel 35 years later. Her last Millennium Falcon voyage was in 1983's Return of the Jedi.

She did reveal that she was asked to lose weight for her upcoming role, saying "they hired me minus 35 pounds (15kg)".

Also coming back are Anthony Daniels as C3PO, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and Kenny Baker as R2-D2.

Newcomers include Daisy Ridley, who has had small parts in Casualty and Mr Selfridge, and John Boyega, who appeared in London-set sci-fi film Attack The Block.

Little has emerged about their roles but, along with Domhnall Gleeson, they are rumoured to be playing a trio of new lead characters.

The film is due to be released in December 2015.