Amusing, unguarded and of the moment, Ironside's observations will strike a chord with baby-boomers, in much the same way that Helen Fielding spoke to thirtysomething angst. What is interesting is how much, rather than how little, Bridget Jones and Marie have in common. Marie continues to look for love and sex in all the wrong places. Thank goodness, then, for Archie - childhood friend turned "dishy" widower, who sees Marie for the game old bird she is.

Chicks of whatever age, it would seem, need a Mr Darcy (along with an Ironside helping of K-Y Jelly).