Bridget Jones Statue Unveiled in Leicester Square: Celebrating a Romcom Icon’s Enduring Appeal

Bridget Jones Joins London’s Film Legends

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Leicester Square—London’s beating heart of cinema—welcomed a new bronze resident to its storied grounds: Bridget Jones. The statue, a life-size rendering of Britain’s favorite singleton, stands with diary and pen in hand, her trademark cardigan gaping and skirt slightly creased, evoking the kind of charming imperfection that first endeared her to millions.

Bridget’s arrival marks the 25th anniversary of the original Bridget Jones’s Diary film, a franchise that has grossed nearly $900 million worldwide and inspired four movies, countless fans, and a cultural legacy stretching far beyond the UK. Joining icons like Harry Potter, Paddington, and Charlie Chaplin on the Scenes in the Square trail, Bridget’s statue is both a nod to cinema history and a celebration of everyday relatability.

A Star-Studded Unveiling

The unveiling was a star-studded affair. Renée Zellweger, who has played Bridget across all four films, was joined by author Helen Fielding—the mind behind the original newspaper column and bestselling novels—and actor Sally Phillips. A pink carpet laid in honor of Bridget signaled the occasion’s playful spirit, though the reveal itself proved fittingly bumbling: the purple silk sheet required a few extra tugs to free the statue, mirroring the mishaps that made Bridget so beloved.

Zellweger described the moment as “so weird, but cute,” reflecting on the surreal experience of being immortalized in bronze. “It’s not something you expect to happen,” she admitted, “especially while alive.” Her modest hopes when making the first film—“just hoping I wouldn’t get fired”—contrast sharply with the franchise’s enduring popularity.

Sally Phillips noted that the statue’s slim figure seemed inspired by the latest film, Mad About the Boy, but its wardrobe is pure early-2000s Bridget. “She’s Mad About the Boy-era weight with Bridget Jones’s Diary-era clothes,” Phillips explained. The artistic decision to leave the bottom buttons undone and reveal a sliver of torso added to the statue’s authenticity, a detail that didn’t escape either Fielding or Zellweger.

The Power of Imperfection

What is it about Bridget Jones that continues to resonate, especially with younger generations? Fielding believes the answer lies in Bridget’s vulnerability and self-deprecating humor. “She doesn’t have a superpower. She can’t fly like Mary Poppins. She can’t do wizardry. She’s certainly not a bear,” Fielding said. “But those very British qualities of kindness, support for friends, and the ability to laugh at all your imperfections—the perfection of imperfection—make her relatable to people.”

Fielding also credited Bridget’s enduring appeal to the escalating crisis of confidence among young people. “When I first wrote Bridget, we were just being hit by mass media Photoshopping magazines: really skinny 90s girls in adverts. But Gen Z have got it a hundred-thousand times worse because they’re not just seeing that at a distance. They’re seeing their friends filtered. There’s this massive culture of presenting a fake version of your life.” Bridget’s honest self-doubt, Fielding argues, offers comfort to those navigating similar pressures.

Even in far-flung places like Japan, Fielding has met fans who find solace in Bridget’s humanity. “A lot of different people feel that she comforts them just by being human,” she said, recalling a recent literary festival where an influencer thanked Bridget for helping her feel less ‘weird’ or ‘bad’ about herself.

A Family Affair and Cultural Legacy

Renée Zellweger’s portrayal of Bridget Jones is not just a professional triumph—it’s a personal milestone. Her partner, TV host Ant Anstead, marked the unveiling with a rare, heartfelt social media post, calling Zellweger “iconic.” Though the couple usually keeps their relationship private, Anstead’s support has been unwavering, from attending premieres with his children to sharing playful tributes online.

The Bridget Jones statue is more than a cinematic landmark; it’s part of a broader cultural tapestry. The Scenes in the Square trail, launched in 2020, features statues of film icons such as Laurel and Hardy, Batman, and Wonder Woman, cementing Leicester Square’s reputation as the home of British and international film premieres. According to Reuters, the site has become a pilgrimage for movie lovers and selfie-takers alike.

Fielding hopes visitors might leave chocolate or Silk Cut cigarettes at Bridget’s feet—echoing a memorable scene from her novel—while others have suggested rubbing the statue’s belly for luck. Zellweger found this idea “adorable,” delighting in the unexpected ways fans engage with Bridget’s legacy.

Bridget’s Impact Beyond the Screen

Fielding also used the occasion to highlight the north-south divide in Britain, noting that Bridget’s humor is rooted in northern comedy and the tradition of bringing “fancy things down to earth.” She called for more equitable funding for the arts, particularly outside London, and praised creativity as an industry in its own right. Eric Fellner, co-chair of Working Title, echoed these sentiments, comparing Fielding’s impact to that of JK Rowling: “Creativity from one individual can become this massive thing on a global scale.”

As the crowd dispersed and the pink carpet faded, the statue of Bridget Jones—mini skirt, cardigan, and all—became a fixture of Leicester Square. “It may not be there in three centuries,” Fielding mused, “but nevertheless it is quite a lovely thing that Bridget means something in this country.”

Bridget Jones’s statue is more than a tribute to a fictional character; it’s a celebration of authenticity in an age of filtered perfection. As cinema and culture evolve, Bridget stands as a reminder that imperfection—and the courage to laugh at it—can unite generations and transcend borders.