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No character has quite captured our hearts like Bridget Jones.

Ever since writer Helen Fielding introduced her in the 1990s, Bridget has remained a totally relatable, eternally modern everywoman: endlessly striving to achieve that perfect relationship/career/body/sex life/ face/zen-like calm – yet remaining gorgeously imperfect. We adore Bridget because we are her.

Now she's back. Thank goodness! And although we were obviously thrilled that Bridget seemed to get her "happily ever after" at the end of Bridget Jones's Baby, we are, selfishly, pleased she hasn't because it means we get another chapter in one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time.

Based on Fielding's book of the same name, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is the eagerly awaited fourth movie in the franchise. Here a now-midult Bridget grapples with loss and dating in the modern era but also grapples with being a mother – and a single parent at that – with predictably messy consequences. The result is pure comedy gold.

Renée Zellweger returns to her Oscar- nominated role as Bridget. But, as the title gives away, there's a new "boy" in her character's life. A toy boy. And he's rather hot property IRL too. Yes, One Day heartthrob Leo Woodall is playing "Roxster", the younger lover Bridget "meets" on social media.

Naturally, given this is Bridget Jones, there can't just be one man in her life.

Fans of the book will know that dashing lawyer Mark Darcy, as played by Colin Firth. has sadly passed away.

However, don't despair, because Mark Darcy's long-term love rival, the deliciously caddish Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) is back to cause havoc.

After being MIA from Bridget Jones's Baby, Grant was won over by what he's called "one of the best scripts I have read in a long time". Plus there are more potential love-interest entanglements, with Chiwetel Ejiofor getting to flex his romcom muscles once again as a hunky teacher.

The supporting cast is crammed with national treasures including Jim Broadbent and Emma Thompson, with Isla Fisher a new recruit to Bridget's loyal band of friends (Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson, James Callis, Sarah Solemani). Clearly no one wanted to miss a date with Bridget.

Mad About The Boy is, blessedly, released on 14 February. So, if you were dreading Valentine's Day – don't. Whether you're a singleton – there are Galentine's previews on the 13th – or a smug married, you can make an unforgettable date night with Bridget.  Larushka Ivan-Zadeh

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