🔗 Share this article Renée Zellweger says freshly unveiled Bridget Jones statue is “adorable”, noting, “It’s more charming than me.” The new statue was unveiled in Leicester Square on the start of the week. The Oscar-winning actress has described the new statue of Bridget Jones as “adorable”, explaining, “Personally, she’s far more charming than me.” The actress was talking as the new statue celebrating the character she played for more than 20 years was presented in London’s Leicester Square on Monday. Bridget Jones was first imagined in the mid-1990s by writer Helen Fielding, and initially brought for the big screen in 2001. The newest movie debuted earlier this year. Speaking at the reveal, Fielding left open taking her story further, remarking you should “avoid closing doors.” The star added that everyone can see themselves in Bridget, which accounts for her enduring charm. “It’s her openness, her humanity,” she said. “We see our own reflections in her, we relate in her journeys. “It gives permission for the everyone else to be authentically who we are. Real.” The character of Bridget Jones touched many women’s hearts, who found solace in her trials and tribulations. From her embarrassing work mishaps, to her notorious granny pants, Bridget connected with a generation who saw themselves in her—and has recently won over a whole new set of Gen Z followers too. The new installment in the saga, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was debuted in early this year, and sees Bridget navigating life as a solo parent and facing today’s relationships. It earned mixed reviews, but secured the best box office opening ever for a rom-com in the region, according to reports. The film was billed as the last installment in the franchise—but reflecting at the statue unveiling, two dedicated followers, Faye and Wayne, said they were sure there would be a next chapter. “There were so many things that were not wrapped up at the conclusion of the last film,” said Faye. “Her character keeps evolving. I’d love to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the later years,” remarked Wayne. When asked about the chance of a future story in Bridget Jones’ saga, Fielding said: “The door is open. Inspiration emerge as a author. So if a concept came to me that I thought was authentic and compelling and original then I would develop it.” A few commentators think the imperfect and flawed lead, who’s fixated with her appearance and romantic situation, is not the strongest inspiration. And Fielding personally has noted earlier that some parts of the story seem less relevant today. “Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be created in the present day, placed in modern times, because all those male coworkers would be dismissed,” she said last year. “That was a completely other era.” But commenting on Monday, she said she wished the broader theme of the book would remain relevant for audiences. “I think, to have the solace of seeing a figure that you can connect with, because they are real and human and vulnerable, it’s like having the companion you can be real with,” she said. The statue is the first to honor a romantic comedy on Leicester Square’s movie trail walk. The cinema sculpture display was introduced in recently with the addition of several statues featuring Laurel and Hardy, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman. Since then, figures of the wizard hero, the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, the giant canine and the explorer have been added.