Winslet Drops Bridget

Despite being more than two years in pre-production, Bridget Jones's Diary is no closer to finding an actress for the lead role. According to sources, the book's author Helen Fielding has been blamed for the problem - particularly for the decision by Kate Winslet to film Therese Raquin instead. Insiders report that Fielding's insistence that Bridget be played by an unknown forced Winslet - who had been very interested in the role - to take on the Raquin role rather than hanging around waiting for Working Title to get its act together. Producer Eric Fellner said 'I am disppointed that I have not been able to sign up Kate.' But he dismissed rumours of a rift with the star, saying, 'She turned down the role because of a class of schedules.'