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Renée Zellweger has praised the freshly installed statue of Bridget Jones as “delightful”, explaining, “In my opinion, it’s a lot sweeter than me.”

The actress was talking as the new statue honoring the character she played for over two decades was presented in London’s Leicester Square on the start of the week.

Bridget Jones was first imagined in 1996 by writer Helen Fielding, and initially brought for the movies in 2001. The fourth film debuted in recent months.

Commenting at the ceremony, Fielding did not dismiss writing more, remarking you should “always keep options open.”

The star added that everyone can connect with Bridget, which explains her enduring charm.

“Her sensitivity, her humanity,” she said. “We see our own reflections in her, we connect in her challenges.

“It makes it OK for the others to be genuinely who we are. Flawed.”

The figure of Bridget Jones resonated deeply with many female hearts, who found solace in her ups and downs.

From her embarrassing work mishaps, to her iconic granny pants, Bridget connected with a demographic who saw themselves in her—and has gained a whole new set of younger fans too.

The latest movie in the saga, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was debuted in early this year, and shows Bridget navigating life as a solo parent and facing modern dating.

It garnered varied critiques, but recorded the highest box office opening ever for a love story in the UK and Ireland, according to data.

The film was promoted as the final one in the franchise—but commenting 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 left unresolved at the finale of the latest installment,” said Faye.

“Her character keeps growing. I’d love to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the later years,” remarked Wayne.

When prompted about the chance of a future story in Bridget Jones’ journey, Fielding said: “The door is open. Ideas emerge as a author. So if a narrative appeared that I thought was true and engaging and original then I would pursue it.”

Some think the imperfect and flawed lead, who’s preoccupied by her body image and relationship status, is not the best role model.

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

“Bridget Jones’s Diary couldn’t be written in the present day, set now, because all those workplace characters would be dismissed,” she said last year. “That was a distinct period.”

But reflecting on Monday, she said she aspired the wider message of the book would remain relevant for fans.

“In my view, to have the solace of observing a persona that you can relate to, because they are real and imperfect and open, it’s like having the confidante you can be real with,” she said.

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

The Scenes in the Square trail was introduced in the year 2020 with the introduction of several statues showcasing Laurel and Hardy, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.

In the time since, figures of the wizard hero, the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, the beloved dog and Indiana Jones have been included.