Noughties icon Bridget Jones is officially returning - but die-hard fans have been left utterly distraught.

The highly-anticipated sequel is due to start filming next month - as Renee Zellweger gears up to reprise her legendary role of the eponymously-named protagonist. For those living under a bridge, Bridget Jones is an award-winning rom-com following 'slacker' Bridget who attempts to sort her life out while searching for her one true love.

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy will see the return of infamous man-child Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant, along with Emma Thompson as Doctor Rawlings. Leo Woodall, who shot to fame for his role in Netflix's One Day, will also be joining the star-studded cast.

But perhaps one of the most iconic characters of the franchise won't be gracing our screens next year.

Lawyer Mr Darcy, played by Colin Firth, went from Bridget's daydream crush to devoted husband during the first three films - but the love interest has been axed from the fourth instalment. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share the sad news, fans threatened to boycott the film altogether - arguing it wouldn't be the same without Firth's character.

"If Mr Darcy isn't in Bridget Jones 4 I will riot," fumed one user. Another agreed, commenting: "Think me and Mum will swerve The new Bridget Jones film if Colin Firth isn't in it." While a third added: "It's just not Bridget Jones without Mr Darcy." Others argued the film will 'flop' due to the 'controversial' decision to axe the character - but there is good reason. Warning, spoilers ahead...

Based on the novel Mad About The Boy, which was released in 2013 and is set roughly four years on from the third book - author Helen Fielding shocks readers after killing Mr Darcy, leaving Bridget Jones a widow. The character meets his demise after standing on a land mine in Sudan, hence not being in the fourth film. Although Firth is not listed on the IMDB's 'top cast' for the film - viewers are hopeful he will make a cameo appearance in the form of a flashback. We've just got to wait a year to find out.

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While many can't wait for the film to be revived, the new project has received heavy criticism for its 'outdated' tropes. In the original, Bridget is often teased for weight, despite being slim, and is obsessed with the idea of getting into a relationship.

Mirror Lifestyle writer Niamh Kirk argues the new film may sink like a stone when put in front of a Generation Z audience - who will struggle to relate to the character's endless chain-smoking and alcohol dependency. "Whereas she and her friends like to drink like a fish and smoke like a chimney, there isn't one of my friends who smokes, and our idea of spending time together is seeking out a cosy coffee shop and sipping on an oat milk latte," Kirk writes. "Many people my age prefer going to pilates, running marathons, drinking green juices and generally avoiding hangovers - something you could never imagine Bridget doing."

The journalist also said the film may be 'cancelled' in a post MeToo world, drawing attention to problematic scenes where boss Daniel Cleaver flirted with Bridget over her 'little skirt'. "Bridget Jones shows why men think they can get away with inappropriate actions," she said. "As women, we've come a long way - and we don't appreciate crude comments, especially at work. As for having a relationship with him? If that was today, many people would probably be quick to cancel Bridget. I hate cancel culture, but it's just not right. Daniel Cleaver would be sacked quicker than a politician changes their mind."

Will you still watch the new Bridget Jones without Mr Darcy? Let us know in the comments section below