Bridget Jones spoiler causes devastated fans to take to Twitter

Fans of the Bridget Jones franchise created by author Helen Fielding have reacted with devastation to the news that the handsome hero who (finally) whisked Bridget off her feet at the end of the second novel, and helped her become a smug married, is no more.

For Mr Mark Darcy, who gave readers and moviegoers the happy ending they wanted so much for the hapless singleton, died five years ago.

Reaction on Twitter was particularly fierce as the news spread that the new book will include only tragic flashbacks of Mr Darcy, who was played by Colin Firth in the movies, opposite Rene Zelweger's Bridget and baddie Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant.

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And just as unexpected, the philandering Daniel Cleaver is also the God Father of the pair's son. Which seems unlikely. Bridget, now 51, is also social media-mad and embroiled in an affair with a younger man (29-year-old Roxter).

Emma Salkild ‏tweeted, "I'm in denial about Mr Darcy's death #BridgetJones", and her thoughts were echoed by plenty in the Twitosphere.

But while journalist Liz Jarvis complained that 'if that's true about Mr Darcy, that's the most ridiculous plot line cop out EVER #BridgetJones', others thought it was a good decision by Fielding to give her more scope in this third book.

What's your opinion? Good move or gutted that Bridget and Mr Darcy lost their happy ending? Tell us over on Twitter.