The news so many of us have been waiting for, a new Bridget Jones film is finally on the way.

Mad About the Boy will follow on from Bridget Jones's Baby, which was released in 2016.

Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson are set to reprise their roles and 12 Years A Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor as well as One Day actor Leo Woodall will join the cast of the sequel.

The fourth film, based on the third book by Helen Fielding “picks up with Bridget in her early fifties, as she navigates the challenges of modern life while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood,” reports Deadline.

However, Colin Firth who has previously starred as the iconic Mark Darcy, won’t be returning according to reports.

In the book titled Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Bridget is a widow in her 50s with two children, as it is revealed Mark has died some years earlier – although it is not clear what plot the film will take.

Colin last appeared in the third film of the romantic comedy franchise (Bridget Jones’s Baby), which saw his character competing with billionaire US love guru Jack Qwant, played by Patrick Dempsey, for the attention of Bridget after she falls pregnant.

Bridget Jones fans demand ‘bring back Colin Firth’ amid Mad About the Boy casting

But fans are not too happy with the latest casting announcement, claiming Colin's reported absence is a "crime", with many taking to X, formerly Twitter to share their thoughts and question "what’s the point?"

Your Local Guardian: Do you want to see Mark Darcy return in Mad About the Boy?Do you want to see Mark Darcy return in Mad About the Boy? (Image: Yui Mok/PA)

One account wrote: “I’m sorry but what’s the purpose to make another Bridget Jones’s diary movie? Most of all, without Colin and his Mark Darcy, Bridget’s only love.”

“what's the point of another bridget jones movie if colin firth isn't in it anymore,” agreed another.

This user stated: “I personally will not be partaking in a Bridget jones without mark Darcy. I wish everyone involved what they deserve.”

Someone who also won’t be watching said: “Think me and Mum will swerve the new Bridget Jones film if Colin Firth isn’t in it. #ColinFirth”

“Bridget Jones 4 without Colin Firth, yer no thanks, pointless, he's the only reason I watched & liked the last 3 films, I like him very much,” tweeted one Bridget Jones viewer.

A fan demanded: “bring back colin firth too there’s no bridget jones without mark darcy.”

“bridget jones without colin firth is a crime actually,” posted this person.

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When is Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy released in the UK?

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is set for US release on Valentine’s Day 2025 but it has not been confirmed when it will debut in the UK.

The original adaptation titled Bridget Jones’s Diary, starring Renee as a 30-something chardonnay-swilling singleton, was released in 2001 to wide acclaim.

This was then followed by Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) and Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016).