'Bridget' co-star likes Renee plump

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Actor Colin Firth doesn't understand people's obsession with Renee Zellweger's weight, he told reporters in New York recently.

The "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" actor described his co-star as "courageous" for gaining weight for her role in the romantic comedy, but says he doesn't think a few pounds diminish her beauty in any way. Zellweger made headlines when she gained about 30 pounds to play the British heroine in the 2001 film, "Bridget Jones's Diary." She reportedly gained about the same for "Reason," the film's sequel.

"She's a very beautiful girl whatever she does, but I think that Bridget looks gorgeous and I wouldn't see any great need to get on the treadmill afterward," Firth said.

Asked if he would alter his appearance for a role, Firth noted he wears a less-than-flattering wig in a new film about the 17th Century painter Vermeer.

That film, "Girl With A Pearl Earring," opens next month, while "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" is expected to continue filming through January.