Bridget Jones is no longer just a visitor in the heart of London. In a move that mirrors the character’s own journey toward finding a permanent place to belong, the Bridget Jones statue becomes permanent resident of Leicester Square, transitioning from a temporary installation to a lasting fixture of the city’s landscape.
Originally intended to remain in situ for only three years, the bronze likeness of Britain’s most famous singleton has been granted an indefinite stay. The statue is now officially settled opposite the Empire Casino, positioned adjacent to the public facilities, where she joins an eclectic neighborhood of cinematic legends including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins and Batman.
The decision comes after a record 149 days of “fasting” for the bronze figure—a playful nod to the character’s perpetual struggles with alcohol, cigarettes, and ice cream. The permanent residency is part of the Scenes in the Square initiative by Westminster council, which aims to celebrate the intersection of film and city life.
A mirror for the modern Londoner
The statue does not depict a polished, idealized version of stardom. Instead, it captures the chaotic, endearing essence of the character created by Helen Fielding in the 1990s. The bronze figure is shown clutching her iconic diary and pen, wearing a cardigan that gapes open to expose her navel—a detail that has grow a focal point for fans.
During the unveiling in November, actress Renée Zellweger, who has portrayed Bridget across the film franchise, described the bare midriff as “very real” and encouraged fans to rub the statue’s tummy for good luck.
This commitment to imperfection is precisely why the statue has resonated so deeply with the public. Kirsty Tullett-Jones, director of marketing and communications for Discover Leicester Square, noted that for 25 years, Bridget has made Londoners “laugh, cry and feel seen.” According to Tullett-Jones, the overwhelming reaction to the statue’s arrival demonstrated that the character continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Breaking the romcom barrier
The installation marks a significant shift for the Scenes in the Square project. Whereas the trail has long honored high-fantasy and superhero icons, Bridget Jones is the first romcom character to be immortalized in the square. This move recognizes the romantic comedy not just as a genre of entertainment, but as a vital piece of British cultural history.
The statue’s permanence arrives at a symbolic moment for the franchise. The first film, Bridget Jones’s Diary, recently returned to cinemas to celebrate its 25th anniversary, reminding audiences of the cultural earthquake the character triggered upon her cinematic debut in 2001.
The business of being Bridget
The transition of the Bridget Jones statue becomes permanent resident of Leicester Square is backed by a legacy of immense commercial and critical success. Since Helen Fielding first introduced Bridget in a newspaper column, the character has expanded into a global phenomenon. Fielding’s novels have been translated and published in more than 40 countries, creating a blueprint for the “relatable” female protagonist.
The financial impact of the films has been equally substantial. Across four movies, the franchise has generated a combined box office of approximately $900 million (£683 million). The most recent entry, Mad About the Boy, further solidified this trend, ranking as the second highest-grossing movie in the UK last year.
While Mad About the Boy saw a traditional theatrical release in the UK, it took a different path in the US, moving directly to streaming. Despite the distribution difference, the film received significant critical recognition, earning a Bafta nomination for outstanding British film and an Emmy nomination.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Film Box Office | $900 million (£683 million) |
| Global Book Reach | Published in 40+ countries |
| Recent Accolades | Bafta & Emmy nominations (Mad About the Boy) |
| Statue Location | Leicester Square, London |
Looking ahead to the next chapter
While the statue is now a permanent fixture, the future of the narrative remains open. During the statue’s unveiling, director Michael Morris expressed hope for a fifth installment in the series. However, the trajectory of the films remains tied to the source material. Helen Fielding has not yet written a fifth novel.
For now, the bronze Bridget will remain in her spot opposite the Empire Casino, offering a permanent reminder of the beauty of being a work-in-progress. She stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the “singleton” in an increasingly curated world.
The next official update regarding the Scenes in the Square initiative is expected following the council’s next quarterly review of the trail’s footfall and public engagement. We invite you to share your thoughts on the statue and your favorite Bridget Jones moment in the comments below.
