Renée Zellweger says freshly unveiled Bridget Jones statue is “sweet”, adding, “It’s more charming than me.”

Renée Zellweger has described the freshly installed statue of Bridget Jones as “delightful”, explaining, “In my opinion, she’s far more charming than me.”

The actress was speaking as the new statue honoring the beloved figure she embodied for more than 20 years was unveiled in the heart of the city on Monday.

Bridget Jones was first imagined in 1996 by writer Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the big screen in the early 2000s. The latest installment came out this past February.

Talking at the unveiling, Fielding refused to rule out continuing the series, remarking you should “avoid closing doors.”

The star explained that everyone can see themselves in Bridget, which accounts for her huge appeal.

“Her vulnerability, her authenticity,” she said. “We identify in her, we connect in her journeys.

“It makes it OK for the rest of us to be genuinely who we are. Real.”

The figure of Bridget Jones touched many female hearts, who found solace in her personal journey.

From her embarrassing work mishaps, to her iconic granny pants, Bridget connected with a age group who identified in her—and has recently won over a new generation of Gen Z followers too.

The fourth film in the saga, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was debuted in early this year, and sees Bridget portrayed as a single mother and exploring contemporary romance.

It garnered divided opinions, but recorded the best cinema debut ever for a love story in the British Isles, according to reports.

The film was promoted as the final one in the franchise—but reflecting at the event, 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’d love to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the retirement home,” said Wayne.

When questioned about the prospect of a future story in Bridget Jones’ saga, Fielding said: “The door is open. Ideas emerge as a writer. So if a concept was inspired that I thought was authentic and engaging and original then I would develop it.”

A few commentators think the struggling and human heroine, who’s obsessed over her appearance and relationship status, is not the strongest role model.

And Fielding personally has acknowledged in the past that elements of the story have not aged well.

“Bridget Jones’s Diary couldn’t be written today, written in this era, because all those workplace characters would be fired,” she said last year. “It was a distinct period.”

But speaking on Monday, she said she aspired the wider message of the story would still resonate for fans.

“Personally, to have the solace of watching a character that you can identify with, because they are authentic and imperfect and vulnerable, it’s like having the confidante you can be honest with,” she said.

The monument is the pioneering to celebrate a love story on the square’s Scenes in the Square exhibit.

The Scenes in the Square exhibition first debuted in recently with the addition of eight sculptures showcasing classic duos, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.

In the time since, sculptures of the wizard hero, the iconic seat from Game of Thrones, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Indiana Jones have been included.