Trending: No Smith and Jones... who'll play Bridget?

Sheridan Smith, the Olivier-award winning actress, has pulled out of Bridget Jones: The Musical, the West End adaptation of the popular column/book /film, set to open at the Savoy Theatre this autumn. Who could possibly fill her shoes?

Kate Winslet: Winslet's been around for so long, it's easy to assume she's older than she is but at 36, she's actually two years younger than Bridget. She's even had a hit single before, 2001's "What If".

Denise Van Outen: Van Outen impressed critics as Roxie Hart in Chicago and there's still enough time for her to get scoffing Krispy Kremes before production starts.

Michelle Dockery: The Downtown Abbey beauty might want to work on something more contemporary. She's also an accomplished jazz singer, don't you know.

Lucy Davis: Best known for playing Dawn in The Office, Davis certainly looks the part and she's funny. Just one thing: can she sing?

Renée Zellweger: It's hard to imagine anyone else playing Bridget, after Zellweger's Oscar nominated portrayal. She's sung on film before and she hasn't had a box office hit in years. How about it?