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The Oscar-winning actress has called the freshly installed statue of Bridget Jones as “adorable”, adding, “I think, it’s much cuter than me.”

Zellweger was speaking as the new statue commemorating the beloved figure she embodied for many years was presented in the heart of the city on Monday.

Bridget Jones was introduced in 1996 by author Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the movies in 2001. The latest installment was released earlier this year.

Talking at the reveal, Fielding left open taking her story further, remarking you should “always keep options open.”

The star added that audiences can connect with Bridget, which accounts for her enduring charm.

“Her vulnerability, her humanness,” 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. Imperfect.”

The persona of Bridget Jones touched many female hearts, who found solace in her ups and downs.

From her embarrassing work incidents, to her iconic granny pants, Bridget resonated with a demographic who saw themselves in her—and has gained a fresh wave of Gen Z followers too.

The fourth film in the series, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was debuted in early this year, and shows Bridget portrayed as a solo parent and exploring contemporary romance.

It received divided opinions, but achieved 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 series—but commenting at the ceremony, two longtime enthusiasts, Faye and Wayne, said they were convinced there would be a next chapter.

“There are so many things that were left unresolved at the end of the recent movie,” said Faye.

“Bridget keeps growing. I’d love to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the retirement home,” remarked Wayne.

When questioned about the chance of a next installment in Bridget Jones’ saga, Fielding said: “Never say never. Stories come to you as a author. So if a concept was inspired that I thought was real and compelling and original then I would write it.”

Certain critics think the struggling and imperfect lead, who’s fixated with her body image and romantic situation, is not the strongest role model.

And Fielding herself has noted earlier that elements of the series seem less relevant today.

“Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be created in the present day, set now, because all those male coworkers would be fired,” she said previously. “It was a really different time.”

But commenting on Monday, she said she hoped the overarching idea of the story would continue to chime for readers.

“I think, to have the reassurance of seeing a persona that you can relate to, because they are authentic and imperfect and emotionally honest, it’s like having the friend you can be honest with,” she said.

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

The Scenes in the Square trail first debuted in recently with the introduction of eight sculptures showcasing Laurel and Hardy, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.

Since then, sculptures of the wizard hero, the iconic seat from Game of Thrones, the beloved dog and the explorer have been installed.