The actress declares freshly unveiled Bridget Jones statue is “adorable”, noting, “She’s more charming than me.”

Bridget Jones statue in Leicester Square
The recently installed statue was unveiled in Leicester Square on Monday.

The Oscar-winning actress has called the new statue of Bridget Jones as “endearing”, adding, “Personally, she’s far more charming than me.”

Zellweger was talking as the new statue commemorating the character she played for over two decades was uncovered in London’s Leicester Square on Monday.

Bridget Jones was created in the mid-1990s by writer Helen Fielding, and first adapted for the big screen in 2001. The fourth film was released in recent months.

Talking at the reveal, Fielding did not dismiss writing more, saying you should “always keep options open.”

Zellweger explained that people everywhere can relate to Bridget, which accounts for her massive popularity.

“Her vulnerability, her humanity,” she said. “We recognise ourselves in her, we recognise ourselves in her challenges.

“It gives permission for the others to be truly who we are. Real.”

Bridget Jones character image

The figure of Bridget Jones touched many women’s hearts, who felt understood in her personal journey.

From her humorous work incidents, to her infamous granny pants, Bridget spoke to a demographic who identified in her—and has attracted a fresh wave of younger fans too.

The fourth film in the series, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was launched in early this year, and sees Bridget navigating life as a single mother and tackling contemporary romance.

It earned divided opinions, but achieved the best theatrical launch ever for a love story in the UK and Ireland, according to reports.

The film was promoted as the conclusion in the franchise—but commenting at the statue unveiling, two superfans, Faye and Wayne, said they were sure there would be a next chapter.

“There are so many things that were left unresolved at the finale of the latest installment,” said Faye.

“Her character keeps changing. I want to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the retirement home,” added Wayne.

When asked about the possibility of a new chapter in Bridget Jones’ story, Fielding said: “Never say never. Stories emerge as a author. So if a story came to me that I thought was real and interesting and fresh then I would pursue it.”

Some think the imperfect and flawed heroine, who’s obsessed over her appearance and love life, is not the strongest inspiration.

And Fielding personally has previously admitted that elements of the series have not aged well.

Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be created now, written in this era, because all those men in the office would be dismissed,” she said in the past. “It was a distinct period.”

But speaking on Monday, she said she hoped the wider message of the novel would remain relevant for readers.

“Personally, to have the solace of seeing a character that you can connect with, because they are genuine and flawed and open, it’s like having the confidante you can be real with,” she said.

The sculpture is the pioneering to celebrate a rom com on the landmark’s movie trail walk.

The Scenes in the Square display first debuted in recently with the installation of several statues including comedy legends, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.

After that, statues of the wizard hero, the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Indiana Jones have been added.

Jennifer Moyer
Jennifer Moyer

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, bringing years of experience in digital media.