Simon Pegg takes a break from filming the new Mission Impossible 7 movie to enjoy stroll in Venice 

He has returned to filming for Mission Impossible 7 after production was halted when 12 people on set reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. 

But Simon Pegg took a quick break from his busy work schedule on Saturday afternoon as he took a scenic stroll in Venice, Italy. 

The Hot Fuzz star, 50, cut a casual figure in a white and navy floral shirt and khaki trousers as he strolled through the picturesque city. 

Simon completed the look with white trainers and he wore a printed face mask for added protection. 

The actor swept his locks back in a neat hairdo as he checked out souvenirs on a tourist stall.   

Last week, Simon’s co-star Tom Cruise held crisis talks with Mission Impossible 7 director Christopher McQuarrie days after 12 people on set reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Filming has since resumed.  

Health chiefs were said to be tracing the contacts of those who tested positive after filming was suspended, dashing hopes it was an isolated case. 

It appeared to be yet another blow for the action movie franchise after filming was suspended earlier this year during the first European wave of coronavirus when cases rose sharply in Italy.

The actor and the director, who worked together on previous Mission Impossible movies and Jack Reacher, were deep in conversation at their luxury base in the city, days after the situation came to light, but filming has now been allowed to continue with production restarting on Monday.  

In October The Sun reported 150 extras for the film were informed they were not to come in to shoot scenes that were on the filming schedule for the evening.

While no official reason was given for the sudden decision, it was claimed a coronavirus test had come back positive from the production so filming needed to be suspended temporarily.

A source speaking to the publication claimed: ‘There are about 150 extras involved in the filming and late on Thursday they were all told not to turn up for work and they would be notified when they would be allowed back on set. 

‘No official reason has been given but it’s feared it’s down to COVID and this will be the second time the production has been hit because of the virus.’ 

Crew also urged members of the public to remain socially distanced from one another as they waited to see the stars, while Tom and director Christopher are also said to have made the request.