London’s Leicester Square, famed for its cinematic history and glittering premieres, welcomed a new resident this week: a statue of the beloved Bridget Jones, immortalized for her wit, vulnerability, and indelible mark on British pop culture. The unveiling, which took place on November 18, 2025, marked the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and solidified the character’s place alongside other iconic figures like Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Laurel and Hardy, and Batman on the celebrated Scenes in the Square trail.
Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger, who has portrayed Bridget in all four films of the franchise, attended the ceremony, her presence underscoring the significance of the moment. According to BBC News, Zellweger was visibly delighted by the tribute. She described the statue as “adorable” and, with characteristic humor, remarked, “Much cuter than the real me,” drawing laughter from the gathered crowd. The statue itself, depicting Bridget with her hair tied back, clad in a mini skirt and clutching a pen and diary, captures the essence of a character whose honest, sometimes clumsy journey through life has resonated with audiences for a quarter-century.
For Zellweger, the enduring popularity of Bridget Jones can be traced to the character’s relatable flaws and openness. As she told BBC News, “Audiences see themselves in Bridget and her struggles.” She emphasized that Bridget’s “vulnerability and honesty” are central to her appeal, sending a message that it’s perfectly acceptable to be imperfect and true to oneself. This sentiment, echoed by fans worldwide, is perhaps why the franchise continues to strike a chord, especially with women who see their own experiences reflected in Bridget’s comedic yet earnest navigation of love, work, and self-acceptance.
The unveiling was more than just a celebration of a fictional character; it was a moment that bridged personal and public milestones. Ant Anstead, television host and Zellweger’s partner since the summer of 2021, offered a rare public gesture of support. He shared clips from the unveiling on his Instagram Story, captioning the moment simply as “iconic.” While it’s unclear if Anstead was physically present at the event, his social media posts indicate he’s been in the UK recently. This public acknowledgment was notable, given the couple’s usual preference for privacy. Earlier this year, Anstead had joined Zellweger at the premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, accompanied by two of his children, further demonstrating his support for her career and the franchise’s legacy.
The Bridget Jones saga began over thirty years ago, when author Helen Fielding introduced the character in a newspaper column chronicling the romantic misadventures of a single woman in her 30s. The first novel, Bridget Jones’s Diary, was published in 1996, quickly becoming a bestseller and spawning three sequels. The leap to the big screen in 2001 brought Zellweger, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth together, launching a film series that has since become a touchstone of modern romantic comedy. The latest installment, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, released in February 2025, demonstrates the franchise’s remarkable staying power.
The statue’s location in Leicester Square is no accident. The area is synonymous with film culture, hosting countless premieres and now serving as home to the Scenes in the Square trail. Launched in 2020, this trail features sculptures of some of cinema’s most beloved characters, and Bridget Jones’s addition is a testament to her status as a British cultural icon. As Reuters reported, the statue joins others such as Mary Poppins and Harry Potter, cementing Bridget’s place in the pantheon of unforgettable movie characters.
Helen Fielding, the creative force behind Bridget Jones, attended the unveiling and expressed her pride in the character’s enduring appeal. “My daughter’s generation now like Bridget, and that means a huge amount to me because it hardly ever happens,” Fielding reflected, as quoted by Reuters. “So I feel very, very lucky, and yeah, I’m proud of Bridget.” She also hinted at the possibility of future stories, telling the BBC, “You should never say never,” sparking hope among fans that Bridget’s journey may not be over just yet.
The statue itself is more than just a likeness; it’s a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and the power of storytelling. Bridget Jones’s adventures—her romantic mishaps, career stumbles, and moments of self-doubt—have made her a mirror for generations of viewers. The series’ realistic portrayal of the daily life and love of a single woman in her 30s has earned it praise for its humor and relatability. As Zellweger observed at the ceremony, the character’s “fragile and human side” is what draws people in, offering reassurance that imperfection is not only acceptable but also deeply human.
Fans have welcomed the statue as a fitting tribute to a character who has meant so much to so many. The event, which brought together the actress, the author, and admirers from around the world, highlighted the unique way in which fiction can shape and reflect real lives. The public celebration, amplified by Anstead’s social media posts and Zellweger’s heartfelt remarks, underscored the personal and collective significance of the moment.
As the crowd dispersed and the statue settled into its new home, the legacy of Bridget Jones felt more secure than ever. Her story, born from a newspaper column and blossoming into a global phenomenon, continues to inspire laughter, empathy, and a sense of kinship among fans old and new. Whether or not a fifth film materializes, the message at the heart of Bridget Jones remains clear: it’s okay to be yourself, flaws and all.
The unveiling of the Bridget Jones statue in Leicester Square stands as a joyful reminder of the character’s place in cinematic and cultural history, and of the enduring power of stories that let us see—and accept—ourselves.
