In a celebration of one of Britain's most beloved fictional characters, a new bronze statue of Bridget Jones was officially unveiled in the heart of London's cinema district on 17th November.
The statue now stands proudly in Leicester Square, joining a star-studded line-up of iconic figures including Paddington Bear and Harry Potter, immortalising the 'spinster and lunatic' who captured the nation's heart with her diary entries, terrible taste in men, and enormous knickers.
A Star-Studded Unveiling
The momentous reveal was performed by Sally Philips, who plays Bridget's foul-mouthed best friend, Shazzer, in the hit film series. The event was attended by a host of celebrities connected to the franchise.
Helen Fielding, the author who created Bridget Jones, and Renée Zellweger, the Oscar-winning actress who brought her to life on screen, were both present to witness the occasion.
Stars from the latest instalment, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, including Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor, also attended the grand reveal, although notably absent was the character's charismatic ex-lover, Daniel Cleaver, leaving fans to wonder about the whereabouts of the 'hunky Hugh' Grant.
Raising a Glass to Being 'Just As You Are'
Helen Fielding expressed her delight at the honour, stating: "For Bridget to be honoured as a British Icon with her own statue alongside Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins and Admiral Lord Nelson (alright, he’s down the road a bit!) is a huge thrill and reason for everyone to raise a glass of Chardonnay to being ‘just as you are.’"
She added, "I am touched and delighted for Bridget and Renée and hope that Bridget’s Mummy Pants will ensure a sleek silhouette for this exciting statue unveiling."
A Love Letter to London
The statue's placement in the capital was described as a perfect fit. Michael Morris, Director of the upcoming film, commented: "Bridget has always belonged to London - her mess, her magic, her heart. To see her immortalised here, in the middle of the city she’s stumbled through and loved so fiercely, feels like the perfect love letter to her and to everyone who’s ever cheered her on."
This sentiment was echoed by Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications for Discover Leicester Square, who highlighted the importance of adding a Rom Com heroine to the square's collection of statues.
"Bridget has been making Londoners laugh, cry and feel seen for 25 years," she said. "With family, action, adventure and horror all currently featured in the trail, it was about time we added a Rom Com statue to the line-up, so we’re thrilled Bridget is finally getting her rightful place in Leicester Square."
The statue serves as a permanent, bronze testament to a character who, for a quarter of a century, has championed the beauty of imperfection and secured her status as a true British icon.
