Renee Zellweger Unveils Bridget Jones Statue in Leicester Square

Oscar-winning actress Renee Zellweger, who famously portrayed the titular character in all four "Bridget Jones" films, attended the unveiling of a statue in Leicester Square on Monday, marking 25 years since the release of Bridget Jones’s Diary. The event celebrated the enduring cultural impact of the character and the beloved film series.

“It’s pretty crazy. It’s kind of strange. It's not something that you... ever expect... it’s quite a surprise,” Zellweger told reporters during the unveiling ceremony.

The statue depicts Bridget Jones with her hair tied back, dressed in a mini skirt and holding a pen and diary—an image instantly recognizable to fans of the films. Zellweger commented on the likeness, saying, “I mean, she's adorable... she's really cute. Looks like Bridget to me.”

The character of Bridget Jones was created by author Helen Fielding more than 30 years ago in a newspaper column chronicling Bridget’s love life and personal struggles. Fielding’s first book, Bridget Jones’s Diary, was published in 1996, quickly becoming a bestseller. Three more books followed, further exploring Bridget’s romantic and professional life.

The 2001 film adaptation of Bridget Jones’s Diary starred Zellweger alongside Hugh Grant and Colin Firth and became an instant classic. The story continued with Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016), and most recently, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025).

Fielding reflected on the character’s lasting appeal, saying, “My daughter's generation now like Bridget, and that means a huge amount to me because it hardly ever happens. So I feel very, very lucky, and yeah, I'm proud of Bridget.”

The Bridget Jones statue is part of the Scenes in the Square trail, which celebrates iconic film characters with life-sized sculptures in Leicester Square—a hub for movie premieres and cinematic events. Launched in 2020, the trail also features statues of Laurel and Hardy, Batman, and other legendary film icons.

The initiative aims to pay tribute to characters that have shaped popular culture and inspired generations of moviegoers. The addition of Bridget Jones not only commemorates the character’s 25-year legacy but also highlights the continued popularity of the films among both longtime fans and newer audiences.

Bridget Jones remains one of the most relatable and enduring figures in contemporary pop culture. From her humorous and candid narration to her memorable misadventures in love and career, Bridget has resonated with audiences for decades. The statue serves as a celebration of this legacy and a testament to the impact of Fielding’s creation, Zellweger’s iconic portrayal, and the films that brought Bridget to life on the big screen.