The classic British rom-com film series Bridget Jones is back for a fourth instalment and while plenty of fans are obviously buzzing, a key character won’t be returning to the cast.
The latest movie in the franchise, Bridget Jones’s Baby, was released back in 2016 and received fairly solid reviews for the most part following its 12-year hiatus and it looks as though the return was successful enough to adapt the most recent book as well.
Based on the 2013 novel of the same name, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, the upcoming return of the often overwhelmed, awkward and hopeless romantic lead character is set to see Renée Zellweger reprise role alongside key love interest Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver.
However, while Emma Thompson and others are also expected to return, veteran English actor Colin Firth will not be starring in Bridget Jones 4.
A new ‘BRIDGET JONES’ movie will release on February 14, 2025 on Peacock.
Renée Zellweger will reprise her role & star alongside Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall. pic.twitter.com/lDTTXg5I8n
As per a report by Deadline and as fans of the books will already know, 63-year-old Firth – who famously played the series’ other main heartthrob Mark Darcy in the first three films – isn’t part of the latest project as his character doesn’t appear in the latest title.
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Without giving too much away about the story, especially since author Helen Fielding hasn’t given away too much about how faithful the latest Hollywood movie will stay to her original written work, let’s just say the iconic British comedy and modern romance character is in a different place in her life.
However, the entertainment outlet did go on to reveal previously unknown details about the story’s adaptation for the big screen, confirming that Love Actually actor Chiwetel Ejiofor will be popping up in this one, as well as Netflix’s One Day star Leo Woodall.
While diligent readers who are completely up to date with everything printed so far can at least have a good idea of what to expect from the new Bridget Jones film, the rest of you will have to wait.
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As for exactly how long you’ll have to wait, well, that’s still kind of up in the air too. Although it has already been slated for Valentine’s Day 2025 in the US and international cinemas, as well as on the Peacock streaming platform, the UK release date is yet to be revealed.
Micah Richards reveals dad ‘unexpectedly’ died shortly before going on air for England v Argentina last night
Emily Sergeant
Micah Richards has revealed that his dad died shortly before he went on air for the World Cup semi final last night.
The former right back – who most-notably played for Manchester City for a decade from 2005-2015, and for the England national team from 2006-2012 – was one of the BBC’s pundits providing on-air analysis last night as England faced Argentina in a highly anticipated semi final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup last night.
The two teams faced off in Atlanta, and while goals came from both sides, it was ultimately Argentina that reigned supreme – securing a 2-1 win over the Three Lions.
But while much of the country is grieving the fact that football won’t be ‘coming home’ (well, for another two years at least), Richards is grieving on a deeper level.
He took to Instagram after the loss last night to share with his 1.4m followers that shortly before he went on air, his father Lincoln passed away ‘unexpectedly’ – calling him the ‘proudest parent possible’ in a touching tribute.
“He has left us all too soon,” Richards began in his tribute.
“Hwas my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life. He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side.
“I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else.
“I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.”
BBC’s popular Stockport-set sitcom Daddy Issues to return for third and FINAL series
Emily Sergeant
BBC’s popular Stockport-set sitcom Daddy Issues is set to return for its third and final series.
Daddy Issues follows Gemma, played by Manchester actress Aimee Lou Wood – most-known for her role on Netflix’s Sex Education – who lives for the weekend when she can ‘get blasted and party hard’ in Stockport, but after joining the mile-high club with a random hook-up on her way back from a holiday to Portugal, she finds out she’s pregnant.
The pregnancy couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gemma, as the only person she has left in her life is her dad Malcolm – played by David Morrissey – who is ‘kind hearted but useless’.
Gemma and her dad end up living together in Gemma’s flat, as she needs support at a critical time in a woman’s life… and he needs help microwaving rice without it exploding.
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are set to return for the third series of Daddy Issues / Credit: BBC
The second series followed Gemma coming to terms with motherhood and caring for baby daughter Sadie, and the third – and sadly, final – series sees Gemma 18-months on from where we left her in series two, and life has settled into a familiar rhythm.
Sadie is now in nursery, Gemma’s been promoted at the salon, and Malcolm has just ordered a fancy new washing machine to optimise the laundry. Things might finally be on an even keel… but it doesn’t take long for chaotic ‘old Gemma’ to rear her head.
Star Aimee Lou Wood says she’s ‘so happy to be back’ for series three.
🎬 Daddy Issues is returning for a third and final series!
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are back as Gemma and Malcolm
“Gemma and Malcolm are one of the funniest and sweetest comedy double acts on TV, and I’ve loved being a part of it,” Aimee said.
David Morrissey added: “I love doing Daddy Issues so much, such a great cast and crew! So I’m delighted to be coming back to have more adventures with Gemma, Malcolm, and the gang.”
Ahead of the show’s return, Jon Petrie, who is the Director of BBC Comedy, commented: “As Daddy Issues becomes a threenager, it’s been great seeing audiences take Gemma and Malcolm to their hearts. Danielle has created a brilliantly sharp, fearless comedy, and we can’t wait to see the Moscrips take the next, slightly wobbly steps in life with a toddler.”
Danny Jones -
10th April 2024 
