Colin Firth’s Love Actually character, Jamie, arguably has the most heart-warming plot in the film. After his girlfriend cheats on him with his brother, Jamie moves to France and begins a holiday romance. Jamie’s romantic proposal at the end is an adorable, feel-good gesture of a love that transcends language, which is just what you want from a cheesy Christmas romance.
Grant plays the recently-elected Prime Minister, David. Before Love Actually, director Richard Curtis had already worked with Grant on the Bridget Jones films, Notting Hill, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, so it‘s no surprise that Grant’s character shines in this Christmas favourite. His storyline may not be as overtly romantic as Firth’s, but PM David is one of the most memorable characters in the film thanks to his iconic dance through 10 Downing Street. It does come down to personal preference but for many, Grant’s Prime Minister is the clear favourite in Love Actually.
Grant and Firth are directly pitted against each other in Bridget Jones’s Diary, competing as the love interest for Bridget (Renee Zellweger). Audiences and Bridget alike are initially smitten with Daniel Cleaver (Grant), with Grant a firmly-established heart-throb for viewers at this point in his career. Mark Darcy (Firth) is a grumpy human rights lawyer, reminiscent of his namesake Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice - also played by Firth in the 1995 BBC series. Despite a rocky start, it is Firth’s character that proves the most swoon-worthy and wins Bridget’s heart.
In fact, Firths’ character also wins the physical fight with Grant’s in Bridget Jones’s Diary, Daniel Cleaver losing the fight as well as Bridget’s respect. But it appears to be a closer fight in their re-match in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. With the return of Grant and the writing-out of Firth in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (coming out in February 2025), will Grant end up on top after all?
