Am I hallucinating or is there really a 1999 Bridget Jones calendar/diary out there somewhere in the shops? I read this somewhere but don't know if my leg was being pulled. Have checked amazon, borders, and barnesandnoble but no dice so far.

I think one of the UK fans told us that. Try Waterstones or amazon.co.uk, or Dillon's

Heide, they probably wouldn't sell the same version here because of the holiday differences.

I called Waterstones re: The Bridget Jones' Diary . It is a diary and not a calendar...the latter does not exist. Waterstones has it: Hardback, ( the size of a paperback) 9.99 UKP postage to US 4.88 UKP Total 14.87 UKP Order online through their website email.

I was surprised Helen Fielding didn't take the week off. Isn't she about due for some time off--after all she's written a few weeks in a row now! 1) Laura should be happy that Tom is back 2) I'd kill Mark after that last comment 3) Bridget would probably, instead, notice that he actually referred to their relationship going somewhere, and take it as a positive sign. Might be a good time for her to get Mark to expand their relationship--like maybe actually ask her over to his house for once!

Does anyone know why this topic is not showing me on the index when there are new messages here? It is not set ast frozen or forgotten, but it never tells me when there have been new posts. When I actually come in, it does show me the new ones since my last visit though, so it is keeping track somewhere.

Everything is acting up again, Ann. Must be the February 2036 syndrome. Topic 97 isn't showing up for me as having anything new, but I can see people have posted. The only way I know of to fix it (for yourself) is to manually open all the topics you frequent, by typing in the URL. That seems to reset everything after a date-induced bout of amnesia. ;-)

Today's episode....I agree with Ann. I think HF is in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater! We're just limping along....I'd much rather see a stronger narrative framework (and some movement in the BJ/MD "relationship") or a complete break. The sequel to BJD is coming out in April and then there's the movie....it's better perhaps to build in some "space". BTW I can sympathise with MD for losing patience with BJ's theories!

I liked this week...we have our old Bridget back...indecisive , insecure...hey Mark loves her that way. What the hell. BTW I looked up pashmina : made of pashm Don't know what that is?..... pashm.. a kind of fine wool for making shawls obtained from Tibet Your fact for the day:-) My new topics aren't showing up either. But I just delete the number up in the URL and type in the topic number I want. No need to type the whole URL. (Brought to you by evelyn, the Computer Pro..who still can't figure out the chat room procedure!!)

Mark Darcy is a definite PASHMASTER. And Bridge really needs to TELL HIM OFF REGARDING HIS LAST STATEMENT. She's too, smooshy! And sad to say I have a Pash Married and an ex-Pashspurt!

If Jesus had known how much heartache his birthday was going to cause Singletons, surely he would have shut up about same, especially being Singleton self. I thought this bit was pretty darn funny. It reminded me of what I enjoyed when I first read BJD(the book).

Bravo Mark! Bridget's insecurities and self-help books would have driven me out long ago. Then again, if he is a Pashmaster, guess that's why he's still with her. Jana, maybe you've got it. Screw the relationship - what I love are Bridget's observations. Remember Rhoda Morgenstern? She got boring too after she got married.

Mark really knows how to push her buttons!

10pm: Oh my God. Mark just called. Told him about pashmina conversation at which he went quiet. "What? What?" I said. "It's just strangely prophetic." he said. "With Christmas coming round again, I've been thinking. . . look this is not going anywhere, Bridget. I think it might be betterif we were just friends." Cannot believe it. Am cast out again on sea of singleton Torture Season at mercy of pashminas and Gaah! phone again. "Just kidding." (Was Mark.) "Can I come round?" Okay, I'm gonna go on my damn soapbox here and scream bloody murder. Why the hell, must HE always come round her place. What is WRONG with his place. What is he hiding? Who is he hiding? And who the hell does he think he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am getting more and more disgusted with this controlling freak of a boyfriend! He may be sympathetic sometimes, but generally he's out for himself and only wants to get his rocks off!

Re: Markee: He may be sympathetic sometimes, but generally he's out for himself and only wants to get his rocks off! So...what else is new?...he's just like most other men, no different. That's the nature of the beast.

(Laura) He may be sympathetic sometimes, but generally he's out for himself and only wants to get his rocks off! You may be right. Why does she put up with it? 'Cause Bridget's Bridget. I see this all the time and have been guilty of it myself. You're an independent woman, then you get a boyfriend and all of a sudden you sit and wait for him to make all the moves, so afraid if you do the wrong thing, you'll lose him. What's wrong with THAT picture?

I see this all the time and have been guilty of it myself. You're an independent woman, then you get a boyfriend and all of a sudden you sit and wait for him to make all the moves, so afraid if you do the wrong thing, you'll lose him. What's wrong with THAT picture? The thing is WE need to let THEM know who's in charge. It sure as hell isn't them!!! We shouldn't allow them to walk over us, we are much more stronger than they are. Heck, they couldn't deal with childbirth!

You're an independent woman, then you get a boyfriend and all of a sudden you sit and wait for him to make all the moves, so afraid if you do the wrong thing, you'll losehim. What's wrong with THAT picture? We shouldn't allow them to walk over us, we are much more stronger than they are.... At the risk of losing my dear friends...I'll tell you what's wrong with that picture.....you don't have to show "all your cards at once". You can coast a little ...that's not being a hypocrite ...just astute. The important thing is to have a plan. Maybe two. A&B. ( And not every relationship is alike.) After you assess the situation , hell, you might decide it's not worth the effort. But if you do...then go for it.

Wise woman!

There seem to be some problems with the Electronic Telegraph...but just I've read this week's BJD in the paper....and it's VERY funny. Back to "I love Lucy" territory - "Mark and Bridget go Christmas shopping." Mark is v. organised - shopping list for four- his Mum, Dad, his secretary, and Giles (he's obviously an only child with a not very extensive emotional life!) He also manages to find pressies for Nigel, Jude and Shaz, whilst Bridget is yet to leave the starting blocks! Good fun! Hope the Electronic Telegraph soon connects.

ARGHHHHHHHHH v. bad of Telegraph to NOT connect. Did they forget to pay the bill???? I think M.Darcy is emtionally scarred!

What is going on? Won't the Telegraph shell out for its technical support people to come in on the weekend and fix a problem? Are they that cheap that they won't pay time and a half? And Bethan you made it sound so good. Better be there tomorrow!!

Quote...(always willing to oblige!) "Oh God" said Mark suddenly standing still. "Shopping isn't supposed to be a mystical quest for inspiration in the teeming aisles of John Lewis. It's a systematic purchasing poeration" "WEll, what are you getting then?" "Father - Archangel by Robert Harris and A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe. Mother - Liberty's silk nightie and dressing gown; ever so slightly Oedipal I accept, but as requested. Debbie the secretary - Tiffany's earrings." "Ooooh" I said excitedly, wondering what would be for me. "Giles - bottle of scotch, and that's it" "That's it" I gasped. How could four presents, plus hopefully mine, be "it", when I've got to buy for Jude, Shaz, Tom, Magda, Simon, five godchildren, one nephew, one brother, one sister-in-law, Mum, Dad, Una, Geoffrey and Granny. More like this if you want it, and still can't connect!

Didn't Bridget used to think that Mark was a Mummy's boy?! Mark then goes on a shopping roll, buying American Monopoly for Nigel (his other friend) and meditation balls for Jude and Shaz, while Bridget doesn't even get off the starting blocks. Bridge then copies Mark and buys the same for her Mum and Dad, buys joke-y cosmetics which she then returns for a refund and leaves Mum and Dad's presents in the shop (from where they are nicked)! Return (inevitably)to Bridge's flat (one day she will cross Mark's threshhold) where they spend evening pruning BJ's over-sized mas tree with a scissors. Hope you get the full-length version soon! Christmas episode....Mark asks Bridget to spend the night at HIS place?

I just remembered that the National Post (national newspaper in Canada) runs Bridget's column every week in their Arts & Leisure section. ( I stumbled on it by chance when they sent a free copy to the house a few weeks ago). Anyway, they're also on-line and I thought this week's column would've been posted, but unfortunately it isn't, 3 older one's are. But there is an article on HF. It basically states all the things everyone here knows but I thought I'd give you the link anyway if you wanted to r ad it. The Helen Fielding Fan Club I hope the link works. If not go to www.nationalpost.com and do a search for BJD.

AH, its there, its there. But... I HATED IT. I think the next step for BJ is to be deemed certifiable and locked up in Bedlam.

Didn't do much for me either. Is Bridget really such an idiot that she can't get a normal-sized tree? I did like the bra-shopping and wish she would have gone on more with that. Something to relate to.

(Laura)Is Bridget really such an idiot that she can't get a normal-sized tree Hey...I've done that.In a big open-air nursery it's hard to judge size. I liked this week's installment.Verrrry Bridge.

I can't quite figure Mark out tho. He seems to only want sex from Bridge, he's not extremely romantic nor does he seem to care one toss about her.

Is this the end of Bridge? Is Helen Fielding giving up London for the smog and plastic of LA? Will Bridget come back from LA in six months 1)married and 2)pregnant? And still Mark Darcy is NOT romantic! "Will you?" he said, suddenly passionate. "I need you Bridget. I know you're always getting squiffy and into a mess, but I love you just as you are. And, when I think of being without you, life would be just so, so lonely and . . . dull." There is NO passion, no wanting, not flailing of arms to kiss each other. No grabbing at each other in the hot steamy passion for each other. Mark Darcy is DULL!

There is NO passion, no wanting, not flailing of arms to kiss each other. No grabbing at each other in the hot steamy passion for each other. Ah, but you've overlooked the crucial line...."And I looked at his eyes."!! The eyes convey true passion! Who needs flailing arms? :-) I'm puzzled...is this the end of Bridget? The Telegraph (paper) calls this week's episode a "Christmas cliffhanger", so maybe the story continues in the New Year. Various options: The absolute end of BJ's Diary OR Temporary break Story continues....BJ and MD living together (Yes!!)in LA (Would this mean that HF is relocating to LA?) Story continues...BJ has second thoughts. What's in it for her? Chucks job, leaves friends...all for "six months"? MD refuses longer term commitment, goes to LA alone. Story continues...BJ decides doesn't want to chuck job/leave friends etc. MD makes noble career sacrifice and stays in London with BJ! What do you think?

( Bethan)What do you think? I think HF is taking a holiday and no more installments till the New Year. Then it's off to LA and more experiences on the thru ways! Laura....Mark is NOT dull. That's just his style. He is not a demonstrative type.(He probably saves it for the bedroom :-))He told her in many words he can't live without her. They don't have to be grabbing at each other's crotches to prove it.!Sheeesh!!

Passion equates feeling. Looking into someone's eyes for passion is boring. MARK IS DULL HE OWNS IT HIMSELF!!!!!!!!!!! He says that Bridget makes his life more interesting not...Dull!

Interesting how the Telegraph put a question mark next to "Last Bridget Jones." My guess is that it is up in the air if HF is going to continue with the column, and if she does resume it may not be for another six months. HF has so much to do you know: work on the screenplay (they must have figured out that her book won't translate well to the screen) and on the sequel. She couldn't possibly fit in the demands of a once-weekly column. ;-) Once again, Mark tells Bridget that he loves her and...once again, have we heard Bridget say the same to him. He loves her, Laura. Who else would put up with her nutso behavior. Also, I think Mark is anything but dull. He's a serious guy (but has definitely loosened up with Bridget), with a serious career, and he's a workaholic. One thing I'm sorry about...if the column goes on hiatus...is we won't get another Geoffrey and Una turkey curry buffet gathering where everyone should be harping on Bridget and Mark about "why aren't you two getting married" type stuff!! I thought this week's was a riot, in a "creative" way. I also feel very close to you all, as fellow posters, at this time of year. Am now thinking about Nigel.... ;-)

(Laura)Passion equates feeling. Looking into someone's eyes for passion is boring. MARK IS DULL Wrong, Wrong ,Wrong. Lots of people have a problem demonstrating passion and feelings ...wearing your heart on your sleeve syndrome....doesn't mean passion does not exist in that person. Individual thing...maybe even cultural. And Mark is not dull...don't forget he was "burned" once.This time is being cautious. I hope HF doesn't dump us next year.And maybe they should get Nora Ephrom to write that screenplay. I hear "You've Got Mail" is v. cute.

My guess is that it is up in the air if HF is going to continue with the column, and if she does resume it may not be for another six months. HF has so much to do you know:work on the screenplay (they must have figured out that her book won't translate well to the screen) and on the sequel. She couldn't possibly fit in the demands of a once-weekly column. ;-) Tongue in cheek I think, Karen?! The sequel must be done and dusted as it's due out in April. And when I phoned Working Title way way back, the initial response (before they went all coy and reverted back to "in development") was that they were definitely making the movie and would start shooting "early next year". So won't HF be twiddling her thumbs by now....or maybe she's got a major re-write on her hands! I think there are many scenes in the book which will very easily translate to the screen....but I think they must press ahead and SHOOT!! There are other Singleton-type movies already in the can. BTW, is Polygram (and Working Title) now part of Universal? Hope this won't affect the casting....MD becomes a Harvard educated attourney!!

Out damned italics! Apparently there is an item in this week's Entertainment Weekly which includes HF in its list of top entertainers and states that "BJD will be made into a film by early 2000, courtesy of Working Title." I take this to mean that the film will be completed BY early 2000, not that filming starts then. Didn't HF say on her publicity trawl that the movie would be out in about 18 months? How do you all read "BY 2000"...(good news..they must start shooting soon, or BAD...another year's wait).

Now that Jana's back, Karen... is it possible to post the picture I sent you of us with Helen Fielding? Jana hasn't seen it yet. Thanks!

test

Okay, YOU WILL NOT CONVINCE ME!!!!!!!! I think MDarcy is dullsville, boring, dull and dull again. Doesn't matter who well someone performs in the bedroom, I like romance (okay I'm a hopeless romantic) and BJ and MD just aren't romantic in the "You've got Mail" or "When Harry met Sally" sorta way.

test

Since I haven't received my official okie-dokie from Jana, here's part of the picture. ;-)

(Bethan) The sequel must be done and dusted as it's due out in April. Perhaps we should double-check after the first of the year. "BJD will be made into a film by early 2000, courtesy of Working Title." I take this to mean that the film will be completed BY early 2000, not that filming starts then. Didn't HF say on her publicity trawl that the movie would be out in about 18 months? A movie like that probably wouldn't take all that long to shoot. (Wasn't FP a really short shoot?) Since they haven't started casting, I'd say all these dates are wishful thinking. No one can know or give out any decent information. Is there a director?

Great pic, Winter. Thanks. We were proud to have you as our LA rep.Along with Jana. Karen...you get better 'n better at this. She cuts people out at the stroke of the mouse....!Once we get Jana's OK can we have a repeat?

...but of course!!

Hmmm, who is that masked woman ;-)???? I think it's my fault that I'm cropped out. I told Karen I trusted her to use her best judgment and if the picture of me was too awful, please cut me out. I suspect she's just being polite by saying she doesn't have my OK, not wanting to admit that my likeness might frighten small children! Thank you Karen for sparing me the public humiliation :-) Besides, I kind of like being a woman of mystery. Now all you know is that I have brown hair and a perm and you can just imagine the rest. On second thoug t, Winter is cute enough for two. Karen why don't you just paste a second copy of her in my general area :-) ??

But Jana, I gave you the url so you could preview the pic. Well, I'm sure everyone wants to see your permed hair: (Who shall I unveil next?)

Now, all of you should know... that cropped out of the picture, to Jana's right, is Colin Firth. He's actally got his arms wrapped around Jana. But as you know, I have such bad luck with cameras, that he couldn't fit into the shot! :-D

(Winter) Now, all of you should know... that cropped out of the picture, to Jana's right, is Colin Firth. He's actally got his arms wrapped around Jana. Too funny, Winter. I was going to play with trying to get him into the picture, but that's a little advanced for me. Nan could do it though.

Hey...a great looking threesome. Like your hair, Jana ...and Winter's radiant smile...no wonder Livia warmed up to her :-)And she does look 16!!I bet they card you when you order a drink.

(Winter) Now, all of you should know... that cropped out of the picture, to Jana's right, is Colin Firth. He's actally got his arms wrapped around Jana. LOL! Oh honey, from your lips to God's ears! (Karen) But Jana, I gave you the url so you could preview the pic. Oh goodness gracious, was the URL in the email you sent me? I complete overlooked it. Durf! I got your email the day I got home from Manila. After flying all night I must have been in a jet lagged induced coma. Hope I didn't say anything worthy of a Bridget Jones Christmas card. "Really Karen, I feel so close to you as one of the hosts of Drool...." :-) Well, now that I've been outed, who's next?!?!

(Jana) Hope I didn't say anything worthy of a Bridget Jones Christmas card. "Really Karen, I feel so close to you as one of the hosts of Drool...." :-) LOL!! That line has quickly become one of my faves, and I know when you are arguing in Manila with all those banker types that your creativity and sensitivity as a human being bubbles up and shows through...If Mark weren't going out with me, I'm sure he would go out with you! Pfoah!!

All you ladies are lovely and you're real brave to put your picture on a public board. I must ask though...it looks like all three of you are putting your hands on the book as if you're ready to take an oath of office. Or is it the Mr. Darcy Pledge of Allegiance?

Okay from the GODS at Telegraph. Cry now or forever hold your peace;) This is the last entry in Bridget Jones's Diary. She has flown off to a better life in LA, with her boyfriend, Mark Darcy. We wish her well and hope she sends us a postcard from time to time. A full archive of her work will appear here shortly. So I guess that's it. We'll never know if MDarcy knocks up Bridget. OOohhh, how disgusting!

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! It's not true!!!!! It's impossible!!!!! (to quote a line from Empire Strikes Back). But frankly, I was getting upset over the last few entries

Mmmmmmmmm! (To quote someone we all know!)Well done Laura, for going to the source....BUT, I'm surprised if it's really the end. I've been slightly critical of one or two of HF's recent efforts, but only because I thought there were so many characters and situations that she could have made use of. Maybe HF's just had enough of Bridget, with the screenplay and the book! Or (possibility?) she wrote originally for the Independent, then there was a break, then exactly a year ago, she moved to the Telegraph, probably on a more lucrative contract. Perhaps she's had an even better offer (as Bridget is now truely global) to re-locate BJ and MD to the States. Watch the US columns! Or maybe, that's really it, finish. Well, there's always the book and the movie! Merry Christmas!

This is the last entry in Bridget Jones's Diary. Boo Hiss. Well, it was fun while it lasted. But Laura....this presents a new opportunity for Fan Fic....(In the words of our fav actor) Hmmmmmmm.

Well to be just a little vain, there is always "Olivia" Merry Christmas all! Laura (who hasn't quite learned how to spell!)

I'm sorry too that this looks like the end for Bridget. Why can't good things ever last? I got a delightful little gift from Santa (well, I got it for myself, actually). Bridget Jones Diary 1999 came in from a site in Canada that one of our visitors, Cathy, sent to me. (Thanks Cathy.) Entry for September 10 reads: Mr. Darcy's Birthday mmmm! (or the actor Colin Firth as he is known) Should be NATIONAL WET SHIRT DAY e-mail address for Fanfare Books is fanfare@cyg.net Site address is http://www.cyg.net/~fanfare/ ISBN for the book is 033037558X $25.49 Canadian dollars for book including postage and handling (steep) but $19.61 American dollars for the whole deal.

I think we can safely blame Laura for Helen's giving up the column. All that criticism, week after week. For shame!! ;-)

Doesn't anyone agree with my theory that HF (possibly) may be transferring her talents to another newspaper syndicate? Or perhaps she may want to build up some anticipation for the new book!

I think Helen Fielding has sold out, personally. And Karen, if she can't take constructive criticism, then she is definitely in the wrong business;) Now to go back to selling out. She is enjoying the plastic life of LA: Warm weather, palm trees, fake women and men. More of an opportunity she thinks then in London? It's sad, because I think the ending of Bridget was terrible. I need closure (like a wake or something), she can't just run away to LA w/ Mark Darcy. Their relationship wasn't that solid that after two weeks, he'd be sending her back to London! HF if you read this YOU SHORT CHANGED YOUR FANS!!!!!!!

I think we can safely blame Laura for Helen's giving up the column Yeah!!I liked Bridge....warts 'n all :-))And it will leave a void in my life!! Please, Helen...defect to another newspaper....LA Times??

(Laura) the plastic life of LA: Warm weather, palm trees, fake women and men. Hmmm, it's been in the 20's, we're freezing our butts off and when I pinch myself I certainly seem real :-). Sorry, just couldn't let that dig of my home town go by withtout comment. Jana - an original Valley girl I'll keep an eye peeled on the Times for you all, in case anything develops!

(Jana)Hmmm, it's been in the 20's, we're freezing our butts off and when I pinch myself I certainly seem real :-). Sorry, just couldn't let that dig of my home town go by withtout comment. An abnormality, Jana, an abnormality.

Hmm....I'm very disappointed with HF leaving us with very little, if any, closure on Bridge's life. I agree Laura, I feel very short-changed. BTW--- I will also keep my eye open for any news of HF here in town because GUESS WHAT?!?! Throughout the Christmas break, I've been doing temporary office work at the L.A. Times. It's the accounting department, but hey-- I could wander around on my lunch break and when I have to deliver mail! I could very well run into her in the bathroom too! ;-) (BTW, the Times is L.A.'s only newspaper--besides the Spanish "La Opinion.". As much as I've grown to dislike this city, I can sure benefit from it being the ubub of our droolworthy stalking.

I think you'll get closure in the sequel "BJ -I will survive" (or whatever). HF has said that it's all about what happens when BJ gets her man. I think that the weekly columns have almost a separate existence...more of a semi-topical social commentary (which could continue anywhere), whereas the book may well start and finish at completely different points. I was in our local Waterstones today and I asked about the sequel...it's still listed as due out in April, but I don't know how reliable this is.

Thank you , Laura, for the BJD Archive. Great fun re-reading. But surely, this isn't the end of Bridget..... Don't we have the new book, to be published in April, to look forward to? Aaaaannnnd. Then there's the movie after that.... Lots more Bridget in our future, folks.....

Just to say that Nick Hornby has apparently switched publishers (Gollanz to Penguin) in a new �2 million deal. It may well be that HF is re-negotiating, particulary after her US success. There's a lot more mileage left in Bridge and Mark, and I'm hopeful we'll see more, but not in the Telegraph!

I phoned Macmillan (Picador is one of their imprints)."BJ - I will survive" is scheduled for publication in April, ISBN 0330 367 34X, price �12.99.

Bethan, is there a way for you to find out if it will be published simultaneously in the States??? or shortly thereafter. Ah, so Nicky boy has new publisher, interesting. I wonder if they will require him to start churning the books??? I'm waiting for him to come to Chicago, I think I just might hang around the film site;) John Cusack is temptation enough for me!

I meant churning OUT the books! ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Laura....Saw you on National Television yesterday morning. Here I was eating my granola and lo and behold this "gorgeous" blond comes on during the Today Show on NBC and is telling me about the snow in Chicago and how it interfered with their plans...... Hey...this looks like Laura...sounds like Laura... IT IS LAURA.... Lookin good kid....so how come you didn't mention CF's interview:-) ******* Laura, why don't you call MacMillan in Boston...if it is to be published in April in the US they would know.Esp. since Bethan graciously got us the ISBN number.

Hi Laura....Saw you on National Television yesterday morning. Probably didn't notice me (wearing a parka the color of CF's eyes) shoveling, while Laura got interviewed!!

My 15 minutes of fame!!!! Wow, so now I'm gorgeous, I've been called cute, but gorgeous???? Thanks, Evelyn! Will do call MacMillan!

Helen Fielding is writing again in the Telegraph, but in the Travel Section...her experiences on a ski-ing holiday. So she's not taken time off to finish BJD2 or to burn the midnight oil over the screenplay. Sound as though everything is done and dusted, and she has taken a break from Bridget. Oh well...

(Bethan).....and she has taken a break from Bridget. Actually, this is a good marketing strategy ....people will be ravenous to read about Bridge and pounce on the book when it's published. If she continued her weekly column, the readership would have enough of a Bridget-fix and not be as eager to purchase the book.

From "The Times" diary Feb 6th: "Andrew Davies, the costume dramatist[P&P2], has teamed up with Helen Fielding... to pen the screenplay for Hollywood's version of BJD. To appreciate the fictional life of the chain-smoking, caffeine-addicted, young and always single heroine, Fielding took the screen writer around some of her old haunts.... Was the sixtysomething able to stand the pace? "Of course ," Davies says. "Bridget's big mistake is that she never considers the possibilities of going out with an older man." Now , what do we all make of that??

Interesting, very interesting!

Is that the end of Mark Darcy, hope not?

Hah! V. interesting indeed. One thing I've noticed is that by the time something appears in The Times Diary, it's already fait accompli, done and dusted. Which means, I think, that the screenplay is completed. The co-involvement of Andrew Davies is, I think, terrific news. Authors aren't necessarily the beat equipped to adapt their own material as screenplays. You often need a fresh approach. And writing screenplays is very different from writing a more internalised novel. Terrific news! Andrew Davies is a very skilled and highly entertaining screenwriter (who is not averse to the occasional sexy scene! Didn't he want Colin to dive naked into the lake. But CF refused. :-)() And who better to write a screenplay about Mr Darcy, or a contemporary updated version of P&P? Excellent PR possibilities here. As to AD's comment, I merely took this to be a reaction to the question about standing the pace. He's just saying it's a pity Bridget didn't go for an older man....I don't think it means we see BJ walking away into the sunset with an octogenarian!

Is that the end of Mark Darcy, hope not? I didn't understand your remark, Ann, until I read Bethan's comment. I think the line about an older man was just an AD joke. I hope!

Davies says. "Bridget's big mistake is that she never considers the possibilities of going out with an older man." Now , what do we all make of that?? Merely that Andrew Davies, a known and self-confessed libertine in his private life, made a quip about imagining himself in the role.

I will add the MD question when I speak to his agent next week. Has AD ever done anything contemporary?

Good news! We can keep this topic active with speculation on the upcoming filming. Merely that Andrew Davies, a known and self-confessed libertine in his private life, made a quip about imagining himself in the role. Or perhaps in Helen's life. ;-)

Grrrreat News.... Andrew Davies is a great screenwriter....(which was my objection to FP.. weak screenplay, IMO) Now....Sue Birwistle ...where are you when we need you. Anybody have her email??

Andrew Davies IS a great screenwriter, particularly when working for B.B.C. Some of his other British I.T.V. work has been much weaker (Emma). He needs to be part of a "Dreamteam", so let's add Susie Conklin and of course our DB and we are on to a "Surefire winner".

Let's not forget the director.....can we hope for Simon Langton?... and- what- the- hell...let's throw in Carl Davis for the music. But, wait a minute...we forgot the crucial one...who will play our Bridge??

But, wait a minute...we forgot the crucial one...who will play our Bridge?? I've been thinking about this... How about.. Claire Rushbrook (Brenda Blethyn's daughter from Secrets and Lies; played Spice Girls' manager in 'Spice World')? More suggestions to come. p.s.: NOT Helena Bonham-Carter. Much as a I like her, she's too wispy to play someone like Bridget.

I've always thought Claire Rushbrook would be perfect. when I saw her in SpiceWorld!!!! I brought it up way back when!

From today's Evening Standard, a snide and horrid piece about GP by the awful Julie Birchall entitled "Why I Hate Gwyneth". One thing she throws in at the end. "Her (ie GP) heart's desire, it is whispered, is to play the lead in the fil of the pitiful BJD. The wettest film star in the world playing the wettest heroine in the history of literature..." Arghhh...Surely not. She is way way to young and is just not the right type. But it might account for why she is the only person involved in SIL who mentions Colin. She has him on her mind.

From today's Evening Standard, a snide and horrid piece about GP by the awful Julie Burchill entitled "Why I Hate Gwyneth". One thing she throws in at the end. "Her (ie GP) heart's desire, it is whispered, is to play the lead in the fil of the pitiful BJD. The wettest film star in the world playing the wettest heroine in the history of literature..." Arghhh...Surely not. She is way way to young and is just not the right type. But it might account for why she is the only person involved in SIL who mentions Colin. She has him on her mind.

Ooops. Read the second of those. Not that she deserves, it but I spelt J Burchill's name correctly there. Did not mean to post the first version.

(Allison) GP to play BJD. She is way way to young and is just not the right type. But it might accountfor why she is the only person involved in SIL who mentions Colin. She has him on her mind. Someone on this board suggested her last year. Let's look at it this way: Automatic hit with Gwynnie.And if she talks Colin to play MD, not bad for him to star with GP. Did you see "Sliding Doors"? GP put in a powerful performance as a trendy British chick.Americans and the British love her.Looks like win-win to me.

New Time magazine has a full page article about the hair extensions she wore to the Golden Globes.

Her hair extensions looked great! They say she spends hours at the salon. She may be too skinny for BJ, but she could handle the role.

I'm very pro GP for the role. Six months ago I might have thought differently, but I genuinely like her, and she's hugely popular. If it's a Hollywood backed production they'll go for a name, and I honestly can't think of anyone except Helena BC or Minnie Driver. Bridget only perceives herself as "plump"...I always imagine her as rather attractive! GP is rather young, but then all 30 something actresses look 20 something, so why not go for a 20 something? And yes, I'd like to see GP and CF star together...at least she wouldn't slap him in the face this time! Allison, I agree that Julie Burchill is awful...she always goes for the jugular.....but I thnk she does have her finger on the pulse, and if she writes that GP is interested in BJD, then there will be some substance in this. Keep reading the Evening Standard (forget the Mail!)....seems a good source! How about keeping the P&P connection, and having Alison Steadman and Benjamin Whitrow as Bridget's Mum and Dad. And Anna Chancellor as Natasha. And David Bamber as Tom, or Richard Finch? Lots of scope for in-jokes, with AD as co-writer. This may be the nearest we get to a sequel to P&P!! And GP has Jane Austen connections via "Emma". :-)

I like David Bamber as Tom, that would be coup casting! I'm still iffy on GP as BJ. I would prefer a more plain person. True, we never really know what BJ looks like, but with her weight, she seems quite average for the average 5'5/6 person. BJ should be mid-30s, MD late 30s. I still go with Claire Rushbrook, she is quite pretty and very versatile! And it would be a big boon to her career. Adrian Lukis as Daniel;)

Oh yes!! Adrian Lukis as Daniel. But somehow I doubt that the bigwigs would go for such an in joke in their casting decisions. Alack and alas. It would be their loss. :( Gwynnie's good, but I think too young and enough with this Brit thing and her.

Gwynnie's good, but I think too young and enough with this Brit thing and her. ] Amen to that!!!!