The much-touted hunt for the silver screen's Bridget Jones - from Helen Fieldings hit novel Bridget Jones' Diary - is finally at an end, as news reaches us that 29 year-old Texan cutie Ren Zellweger has nabbed the role. Producer Eric Fellner tells today's Telegraph newspaper that Renee won the much coveted part thanks to her gift for comedy, which gave her the edge over British contenders.
Those drowning their sorrows in buckets of Chardonnay and cigs at their local wine bar include Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson and Kate Winslet, who were all tipped for the part.
Full of praise for his prize, Fellner enthused, "[she] brings enormous character and conviction to the part". Hard at work on her British accent, Zellweger - if she pulls it off - will join fellow convincing Brit impersonators Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore. The film is another production for Working Title, whose credits include Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral, while 'Hills' and 'Weddings' writer Richard Curtis is helping his pal Fielding out with the screenplay.