Bridget Jones fans have been left in tears after the much-anticipated trailer for the fourth film revealed one beloved character has been killed off.

Renee Zellweger’s iconic singleton finally married Mark Darcy, played Colin Firth in the most recent film, 2016’s Bridget Jones’ Baby.

The couple had shared an on and off romance across all three films, but finally got their happy ending after it was revealed the high-flying lawyer was the father of her baby.

However, in the fourth book by Helen Fielding, Mad About The Boy, Mark tragically dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving Bridget a widow and battling motherhood alone.

The trailer for the fourth film revealed that the same storyline would play out, with it being confirmed Mark had died before the events of the movie.

Bridget Jones fans have been left in tears after the much-anticipated trailer for the fourth film revealed one beloved character has been killed off

Renee Zellweger ‘s iconic singleton finally married Mark Darcy, played Colin Firth in the most recent film, 2016’s Bridget Jones’ Baby (pictured in The Edge of Reason)

However, in the fourth book by Helen Fielding, Mad About The Boy, Mark tragically dies while working abroad as a human rights lawyer, leaving Bridget a widow and battling motherhood alone 

And fans who had not read the book prior were left devastated, as they admitted their ‘hearts sank’ to see the pair didn’t get their happily ever after.

They took to social media to write: ‘I was not prepared to cry over the death of Mr. Darcy in the new Bridget Jones movie; IS MARK DARCY DEAD???’

‘What do you MEAN there is a fourth Bridget Jones movie releasing soon, and they KILLED MR. DARCY?!’

‘bridget jones without mark darcy what’s the point; MARK DARCY AND BRIDGET JONES BEING SEPARATED ONCE AGAIN I MIGHT SCREAM’.

‘I don’t want to be in a universe where my beloved Mark Darcy doesnt exist—; Um they finally gave her a happy ending kids just to kill mr. darcy? Why?’

‘I hated it when colin died, and everything that came afterwards. But do I wanna watch this? Of course. Am I going to love it? For sure; Not them killing off Colin Firth!!!’

‘My heart sank seeing that Mr. Darcy died in the new Bridget Jones trailer. Why couldn’t they have their happily ever after?’

‘They hate to see my man Mark Darcy alive in the Bridget Jones movie because we all know he would outdiva those people who tries to get his soulmate; 

The trailer for the fourth film revealed that the same storyline would play out, with it being confirmed Mark had died before the events of the movie

And fans who had not read the book prior were left devastated, as they admitted their ‘hearts sank’ to see the pair didn’t get their happily ever after

‘took 3 films for bridget and mr darcy to get together just for them to kill him off; You’d better bring back Mr Darcy. I’m so serious. What is this nonsense’.

‘Why am I the only one hating the fact that Mark Darcy aka one of the best male characters in romcom history is now DEAD with no rational reason?’

The trailer for upcoming fourth film sees Bridget being encouraged to get back on the horse by her friends after self-imposing a four-year sex ban in the years following Mark’s death.

She also quits her job working in television to do the school run, with comical scenes expected as she struggles to keep up with the Yummy Mummies.

During a trip to the park, Bridget finds her two children have got themselves stuck in a tree where she is rescued by two dashing dashing men in the form of The White Lotus star’s Leo Woodall and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor.

She soon finds herself in the middle of a three-way battle for her affections between boytoy Roxster, played by Leo, PE teacher Mr. Wallaker, played by Chiwetel and a returning Hugh Grant as the infamous Daniel Cleaver.

Fans can also rejoice as one particularly sexy scene sees Roxster jump into a pool in front of her to rescue a little dog – in a moment mirroring the iconic Mr Darcy Pride and Prejudice look. 

As the trailer unravels, Bridget’s romance with Roxster heats up and the pair have ‘mindblowing sex’ after a date. 

The trailer for upcoming fourth film sees Bridget being encouraged to get back on the horse by her friends after self-imposing a four-year sex ban in the years following Mark’s death 

During a trip to the park, Bridget finds her two children have got themselves stuck in a tree where she is rescued by two dashing dashing men in the form of The White Lotus star’s Leo Woodall and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor 

However Bridget is left confused as flirtatious meetings with Mr Wallaker increase and she eventually stumbles into a barn to find him half-naked. 

The movie was officially confirmed this year, with the script being penned by author Helen, Abi Morgan and Dan Mazer, and Michael Morris as director.

Helen has also been spotted at the filming as she prepares to say goodbye to the much-loved character. 

A movie source told The Mail On Sunday in February: ‘Bridget is back and is about to take over London. Filming is being mapped out already…

‘All of the pre- production is in place. There was some uncertainty about whether it would get off the ground, but the movie is coming…

‘Renee is excited about bringing Bridget back. She adores the character so much. Bridget Jones fever is expected to sweep across London this spring.’

When asked about a fourth movie instalment, author Helen previously told Radio Times: ‘Every film that gets made is a miracle…

‘I think it’s really difficult to make films and to make them happen and to make them good and we want it to be really good. But I really hope so. I’d love to see it on the screen.’

She soon finds herself in the middle of a three-way battle for her affections between boytoy Roxster, played by Leo (left), PE teacher Mr. Wallaker, played by Chiwetel and a returning Hugh Grant as the infamous Daniel Cleaver

Fans can also rejoice as one particularly sexy scene sees Roxster jump into a pool in front of her to rescue a little dog – in a moment mirroring the iconic Mr Darcy Pride and Prejudice look (pictured left) 

However Bridget is left confused as flirtatious meetings with Mr Wallaker increase and she eventually stumbles into a barn to find him half-naked 

There were rumours last year the movie had been axed due to the US actors’ strikes, but sources said those claims were ‘nonsense’.

The first film, Bridget Jones’s Diary, came out in 2001 and grossed £222 million at the box office – more than ten times what it cost to make. 

As well as Renee and Hugh returning to their roles, fans will get to see the familiar faces of Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones back as Bridget’s batty parents, Colin and Pamela.

Bridget’s three best pals Sharon, Jude and Tom are also coming back, played respectively by Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson and James Callis.

Reprising her role from the third film is Sarah Solemani, as Bridget’s friend Miranda and news presenter at Hard News, while Emma Thompson will also be appearing as Doctor Rawlings once again.

After Colin’s name was absent from the cast list, fans feared his character would not appear at all in the fourth film.

As well as Renee and Hugh returning to their roles, fans will get to see the familiar faces of Jim Broadbent (pictured) and Gemma Jones back as Bridget’s batty parents, Colin and Pamela

However, The Mail on Sunday revealed Colin will still be making an appearance, after revealing exclusive photographs from the set last month where Renee is seen lovingly interacting with The King’s Speech star.

Wearing Mark’s trademark suit and tie, Colin tenderly places his hand upon the cheek of his co-star, who is in an emerald dress and leather boots.

It was revealed that Colin’s return was meant to be a huge surprise, with film bosses desperate to keep it under wraps.

A source said: ‘Colin was always going to appear in the movie but it was supposed to be a secret.’