A life-size bronze statue of the iconic Bridget Jones, Britain's beloved singleton and hapless rom-com heroine, has been unveiled in Leicester Square, London. The statue, which joins other notable figures like Paddington, Harry Potter, and Charlie Chaplin, is part of the Scenes in the Square scheme to cement Westminster council's credentials as a cinema hub.
Bridget Jones is immortalised in a creased miniskirt and gaping cardie, clutching her diary and pen, with a cheeky expression on her face. The statue is the brainchild of Sally Phillips, Renée Zellweger, and Helen Fielding, who created the character 30 years ago.
The unveiling was attended by several cast members from Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, and Michael Morris. Morris expressed hope that a fifth film in the series might follow. The film took £46 million at the UK box office but went straight to streaming in the US due to its modest size.
The event also sparked discussion about the importance of funding for creative industries, with Fielding urging fair distribution of funds across the country. She highlighted the rich comedic talent from northern England and referenced her own experiences working for Comic Relief 40 years ago.
Fielding likened present-day northern England to environments she'd witnessed during that time, citing kids without shoes and families without food as a stark reminder of the ongoing north-south divide in Britain. The author acknowledged that the statue might not outlast Nelson's column but was thrilled that Bridget Jones meant something to her country.
As the crowds began to disperse, the pink carpet reappeared with a touch more mud, and the small metal woman with a winsome face became an even more familiar sight in Leicester Square.
Bridget Jones is immortalised in a creased miniskirt and gaping cardie, clutching her diary and pen, with a cheeky expression on her face. The statue is the brainchild of Sally Phillips, Renée Zellweger, and Helen Fielding, who created the character 30 years ago.
The unveiling was attended by several cast members from Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, and Michael Morris. Morris expressed hope that a fifth film in the series might follow. The film took £46 million at the UK box office but went straight to streaming in the US due to its modest size.
The event also sparked discussion about the importance of funding for creative industries, with Fielding urging fair distribution of funds across the country. She highlighted the rich comedic talent from northern England and referenced her own experiences working for Comic Relief 40 years ago.
Fielding likened present-day northern England to environments she'd witnessed during that time, citing kids without shoes and families without food as a stark reminder of the ongoing north-south divide in Britain. The author acknowledged that the statue might not outlast Nelson's column but was thrilled that Bridget Jones meant something to her country.
As the crowds began to disperse, the pink carpet reappeared with a touch more mud, and the small metal woman with a winsome face became an even more familiar sight in Leicester Square.
I mean, can you blame them for making a statue of Bridget Jones? She's like, literally a cultural icon or something. People love her, and she's been around for ages. It's not like we're gonna forget about her any time soon. And honestly, who doesn't love a good rom-com every now and then? 
I'm kinda surprised they didn't make the statue more... realistic, you know? Like, Bridget Jones isn't exactly known for her perfect figure 
. But hey, it's all about celebrating culture, right? And fair play to Sally Phillips, Renée Zellweger, and Helen Fielding for sticking it out with this character – she's definitely had a lasting impact on the world of comedy. 
- just saw pics of the new Bridget Jones statue in London and I'm low-key worried it'll be like all the other tourist traps... meanwhile, funding for creative industries is still pretty sketchy 
& Fielding's talk about the north-south divide is so true 
- those poverty rates are crazy 
. At least she's bringing awareness to it tho 
I'm not sure if a life-size bronze statue of Bridget Jones is a great idea for London's streets. I mean, she's already pretty iconic, but do we really need another giant bronze figure taking up space? 
Plus, it's £1 million+ to create and maintain... that's a lot of dosh! 
But hey, if it brings people together and celebrates a beloved character, then I'm all for it. 
Maybe it'll even inspire some new fans to pick up Bridget's diary and get writing themselves? 
I think it's cool that she's part of this Scenes in the Square scheme - it's a great way to bring some culture and entertainment to Leicester Square. I'm glad Sally Phillips, Renée Zellweger, and Helen Fielding came together to create her - they must have been on the same wavelength. I do hope we get another Bridget Jones film soon, though! 
It would be amazing if the new statue inspires more people to go out and see movies in London. And I agree with Helen Fielding about funding for creative industries - it's not fair that some areas of the country don't get the same opportunities as others. 
just saw the most iconic thing ever! They finally got a bronze statue of Bridget Jones in Leicester Square! I mean, who wouldn't wanna see this girl's diary- clutching self up close? Sally Phillips, Renée Zellweger, and Helen Fielding are total geniuses for creating this character all those years ago. I'm low-key hoping for another Bridget Jones movie now, maybe a 5th one with Chiwetel Ejiofor and the gang 
Can you imagine? And omg did you see Renée Zellweger's reaction during the unveiling? 
I mean, who wouldn't want to see Renée Zellweger's character immortalized in all her awkward glory 
. Sally Phillips, Renée Zellweger, and Helen Fielding must have been over the moon with it all 
. But what really got me thinking is how this statue might spark some conversations about funding for creative industries 
. It's like Fielding said - we need to make sure everyone gets a fair share of the creative pie 
.
let's get a fifth film please?! 
fingers crossed!
I mean, who wouldn't want to see a life-size bronze version of her, looking all sassy and adorable? The fact that it's part of the Scenes in the Square scheme is genius - it's like Westminster council is giving us a big ol' cinematic hug 
She was such a relatable character, always getting herself into those awkward love triangles and whatnots 
. I'm glad to see her gettin' the recognition she deserves in the form of that bronze statue 
. I mean, it's not like it's the end of the world or anything, but still, it'd be nice to see her stayin' around forever 
, but it's still awesome that she brought a bit of humor and heart into our lives 
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