Bridget Jones bronze statue granted permanent status in London's Leicester Square

A bronze statue of Bridget Jones has been made a permanent fixture in London's Leicester Square, extending beyond its original three-year installation plan. The statue was unveiled in November by actress Renée Zellweger, who played the character, alongside co-star Sally Phillips and creator Helen Fielding. Westminster council's Scenes in the Square initiative now includes the romcom character alongside other film figures like Harry Potter and Mary Poppins. Positioned opposite the Empire Casino near public toilets, the sculpture shows Bridget clutching her diary while wearing an open cardigan that reveals her midriff. The decision coincides with the 25th anniversary rerelease of the original film, Bridget Jones's Diary. Marketing director Kirsty Tullett-Jones noted the character's enduring resonance with London audiences over 25 years. Fielding's novels have been published in more than 40 countries, with the film series grossing $900 million globally. The most recent installment, Mad About the Boy, was the UK's second highest-grossing film last year and received BAFTA and Emmy nominations. Director Michael Morris attended the unveiling and expressed hope for another film, though Fielding hasn't written a fifth novel. Zellweger suggested visitors might rub the statue's stomach for luck, calling the exposed navel authentic.