A new study has uncovered that British men most closely identify with the love-cynic Harry Burns, while women see themselves in the lovelorn Bridget Jones. The research, conducted for the Freeview channel Great Romance, surveyed UK film fans to determine which classic romantic comedy characters they relate to most.
Men's Top Choices
Among British men, 15 per cent chose Harry Burns, played by Billy Crystal in the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally. Burns famously argues that men and women cannot be true friends, though he eventually marries Sally, portrayed by Meg Ryan, after a 12-year debate. Following at 10 per cent was William Thacker, the awkward English bookshop owner played by Hugh Grant in Notting Hill (1999). In third place, 7 per cent of men selected Mark Darcy, the wealthy human rights lawyer portrayed by Colin Firth in Bridget Jones's Diary (2001).
Women's Top Choices
For women, Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger in the film series spanning from 2001 to 2025, topped the list with 27 per cent. Second was Sally Albright, Meg Ryan's character from When Harry Met Sally, at 7 per cent. Joint third, each with 4 per cent, were Natalie from Love Actually, Kathleen Kelly from You've Got Mail, and Donna Sheridan from Mamma Mia!.
Films Reflecting British Love Lives
The 2016 film How to Be Single was voted the movie that best represents Brits' love lives, chosen by 9 per cent of adults. The study also found that the average British adult watches four romantic movies per month, amounting to 52 per year.
The research was commissioned by Great Romance, a channel dedicated to showing nostalgic romance films on Freeview channel 52. Kate Gartland, Marketing Director at Great, commented: 'The top choices suggest British men and women are a long way apart on romance, but it's reassuring to remember both Harry and Bridget do eventually find their happy ever after.'
