Sally Phillips blasted those who criticize Bridget Jones’ diary ahead of her 20th birthday, saying the character’s “ cancellation ” will not end the sexual harassment.

The 51-year-old actress, who lives in London, first appeared in the blockbuster movie franchise as best friend Shazza alongside American actress Renée Zellweger as Bridget in 2001.

Speaking to Grazia, Sally said Bridget’s portrayal of body dysmorphia and her encounters with sex pests throughout the film were representative of a “ more innocent time, ” as she reflected on the how attitudes towards body image and the #MeToo movement have influenced society.

Sally added that the women sharing their experiences of online rape culture seem to have had worse encounters than those shown in Bridget Jones ‘diary, saying:’ I just think these concerns are actually bigger and bigger. scary now. And canceling Bridget is not a way to improve anything.

The Bridget Jones film franchise was adapted from Helen Fielding reviews and books.

The story follows Bridget who writes a journal about her daily life, including unique issues and difficulties losing weight – while drinking and smoking excessively.

Sally’s character, Shazza, warns Bridget to stay away from men who use women for their own gain.

Although it was considered progressive in the early 2000s, modern viewers have expressed concern over Bridget’s obsession with weight loss, claiming that she had an average body size and the movie was’ fatty phobic ”.

Last year, Body Confidence activist Alex Light said Bridget’s obsession with weight as an impressionable teenager made her wish to diet because she believed 9 pounds 4 pounds was fat. .

Bridget Jones franchise author Helen Fielding also admitted that she struggled to digest aspects of the film.

Sally (pictured) said Bridget Jones was released at a ‘more innocent time’, when asked how sex pests and body image are portrayed in the movies

Watching the trilogy with her children years after its release, Helen said: ‘You can’t write this now. The level of sexism Bridget faced with her hand on her ass in so many scenes, [Sit Up Britain boss] Richard Finch, “Let’s take a picture of the breasts.

“ I mean in the end she turned around and stuck to them but it was just part of her life.

“It was quite shocking for me to see how things have changed.

Sally said that Bridget Jones is from a time before we knew you weren’t “allowed” to talk about body dysmorphia.

Sally said there was more pressure on women to look a certain way now than when Bridget Jones was released. Pictured: Renee Zellweger and Sally Phillip in the movie

The actress explained that our attitude towards our own bodies has not changed and said that she believes there is more pressure on women to look a certain way now than at the time. of the film’s release.

Sally continued, “And also companies are now exploiting female friendships to put pressure on women.

“ The idea of ​​turning female friendships into a commodity where you are constantly encouraging yourself to live better, work harder, be more productive, signal virtue, and be kind all the time. ”

Sally said she wasn’t surprised at Bridget Jones’ enduring popularity because the storyline could be told to many people and it’s something “ fun ” to watch while spending time with girlfriends

However, she admitted to being aware that questions about controversial aspects of the film would be raised during interviews ahead of her 20th birthday.