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The Oscar-winning actress has described the new statue of Bridget Jones as “delightful”, remarking, “In my opinion, she’s a lot sweeter than me.”

Zellweger was speaking as the recently revealed statue commemorating the beloved figure she played for over two decades was uncovered in the heart of the city on the start of the week.

Bridget Jones was first imagined in the mid-1990s by author Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the movies in the early 2000s. The newest movie debuted this past February.

Speaking at the unveiling, Fielding did not dismiss writing more, stating you should “never say never.”

The star explained that everyone can see themselves in Bridget, which explains her massive popularity.

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

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

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

From her embarrassing work incidents, to her infamous granny pants, Bridget connected with a demographic who identified in her—and has attracted a whole new set of Gen Z followers too.

The latest movie in the series, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was released in early this year, and depicts Bridget navigating life as a single mother and exploring contemporary romance.

It garnered divided opinions, but secured the strongest cinema debut ever for a rom-com in the region, according to industry sources.

The film was promoted as the last installment in the franchise—but reflecting at the statue unveiling, two superfans, Faye and Wayne, said they were convinced there would be a follow-up.

“There are so many things that were open-ended at the end of the latest installment,” said Faye.

“Her character keeps changing. I hope to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the later years,” remarked Wayne.

When asked about the chance of a next installment in Bridget Jones’ journey, Fielding said: “The door is open. Inspiration come to you as a author. So if a concept was inspired that I thought was real and engaging and new then I would develop it.”

A few commentators think the struggling and flawed lead, who’s obsessed over her appearance and love life, is not the best inspiration.

And Fielding herself has previously admitted that certain aspects of the series have not aged well.

“Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be created now, set now, because all those male coworkers would be sacked,” she said in the past. “That was a completely other era.”

But reflecting on Monday, she said she hoped the overarching idea of the book would continue to chime for audiences.

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

The monument is the inaugural to honor a romantic comedy on Leicester Square’s public art exhibit.

The Scenes in the Square display first debuted in the year 2020 with the introduction of eight sculptures including comedy legends, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.

After that, sculptures of the wizard hero, the iconic seat from Game of Thrones, Clifford the Big Red Dog and the explorer have been added.