London’s Leicester Square, already a home to cinematic legends, welcomed a new resident this week: Bridget Jones, the beloved romantic comedy heroine immortalized in bronze. The unveiling ceremony, held on Monday, November 17, 2025, drew a crowd of fans, celebrities, and the creative minds behind the franchise, all gathered to honor a character who has captured hearts for nearly a quarter-century.
Renée Zellweger, now 56, who famously brought Bridget Jones to life in four films, stood beside her statue in the heart of Leicester Square. Dressed in a long black coat dress and eye-catching Louboutin x Margiela "Martoubi" pumps, Zellweger radiated the understated elegance that has become her hallmark. As reported by Your Next Shoes, she exuded a "relaxed, quiet confidence," befitting someone whose portrayal of Bridget Jones defined her career and propelled her to international stardom.
The statue itself is instantly recognizable: Bridget Jones in a miniskirt, clutching her iconic diary and pen—symbols of her candid, often hilarious, self-reflection. According to BBC reports, Zellweger couldn’t help but joke about her bronze double, saying, "I think she's much cuter than me." The sculpture, which now stands among other film icons like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear, Batman, Wonder Woman, Mr. Bean, Bugs Bunny, and Laurel and Hardy, marks Bridget’s official entry into the pantheon of pop culture legends. The statue is a new addition to the "Scenes in the Square" sculpture trail, a cultural journey inaugurated in 2020 to celebrate a century of cinema in Leicester Square—a venue known for glittering world premieres and star-studded events.
The ceremony was a star-studded affair. Zellweger was joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor, 48, and Leo Woodall, 29, both of whom appear in the latest installment, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" (2025). Ejiofor plays the teacher of Bridget’s son, while Woodall takes on the role of her youthful admirer, Roxster. Sally Phillips, 55, who has portrayed Bridget’s best friend Shazzer in all four films, hosted the event with her trademark warmth and humor. Helen Fielding, 67, the author who first introduced Bridget Jones in her newspaper columns before expanding the character into a series of bestselling novels, was also present. The bond between Zellweger and Fielding was evident when Zellweger affectionately kissed the author on the forehead, a gesture that spoke volumes about the enduring partnership behind the franchise.
The timing of the statue’s unveiling is no coincidence. As reported by Le Monde, the bronze tribute commemorates the 25th anniversary of the first film, "Bridget Jones’s Diary," released in 2001. The film’s blend of humor, vulnerability, and honest portrayal of modern romance resonated with audiences across generations. Its success spawned three sequels, the latest being "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," released earlier this year. The franchise’s continued popularity is a testament to the character’s relatability and charm. As Zellweger explained to The Guardian, "It’s her vulnerability, her humanity. We recognize ourselves in her, we recognize ourselves in her struggles. That makes it okay for all of us to be authentic as we are. Imperfect."
Fielding, for her part, has remained coy about the possibility of a fifth film. While she has not ruled out another adaptation, she has kept fans guessing. Zellweger, on the other hand, has made no secret of her willingness to don Bridget’s notorious granny panties once more if the opportunity arises. The interplay between author and actress has fueled speculation and anticipation, keeping the spirit of Bridget Jones alive and well.
The statue’s location is significant not just for its cinematic connections but for what it represents to fans and Londoners alike. Leicester Square, often described as the beating heart of British film culture, is now home to a heroine who, despite her flaws and foibles, has inspired millions to embrace their own imperfections. The "Scenes in the Square" trail, which features statues of everyone from Harry Potter to Mr. Bean, serves as a living museum of the characters who have shaped the cultural landscape. With Bridget Jones now among them, the trail offers a unique blend of nostalgia and celebration—a reminder of the stories and characters that have brought people together in laughter and empathy.
Fashion also played a subtle but notable role in the proceedings. Zellweger’s choice of attire—a regal black coat dress paired with the distinctive Louboutin x Margiela pumps—did not go unnoticed. As highlighted by Your Next Shoes, her outfit was "polished and effortlessly regal," striking the perfect balance between Hollywood glamour and the approachable charm that defines both the actress and her most famous character.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the statue’s unveiling is a nod to the enduring power of storytelling. Bridget Jones, with her diary in hand and heart on her sleeve, has become a symbol of resilience, humor, and self-acceptance. The character’s journey from newspaper columns to novels, and then to the silver screen, mirrors the evolution of modern womanhood—messy, complicated, and wonderfully real. The statue, depicting Bridget in an iconic pose, serves as a permanent invitation for fans to reflect, laugh, and perhaps see a bit of themselves in her story.
The cultural impact of Bridget Jones cannot be overstated. According to The Times, the franchise’s blend of romance and realism has influenced countless films and books, setting a new standard for the genre. The decision to honor Bridget with a statue in Leicester Square is both a recognition of her status as a cultural icon and a celebration of the values she embodies: honesty, vulnerability, and the courage to be oneself, flaws and all.
As the 25th anniversary of "Bridget Jones’s Diary" approaches in 2026, the statue stands as a testament to the character’s lasting appeal. Whether or not another film is in the works, Bridget Jones’s place in the collective imagination is secure—forever captured in bronze, diary in hand, ready to face whatever comes next.
