Zooey Deschanel says her New Girl character Jess is a "13-year-old version of [herself]".

The stunning star's character in the new TV series has just become single and starts living with three men with hilarious consequences.

Zooey says her awkward onscreen character resembles herself.

"I always like to think of her as a 13-year-old version of myself. She's sort of sweet and guileless and, at the same time, excitable and emotional," she explained in an interview with British magazine OK!

"And she really means well, although sometimes she's unaware of what she's doing. But I think her reactions to feeling awkward or strange are different from the average person. And I always find that really fun."

Zooey is loved for her offbeat charm. The brunette beauty is glad people can identify with her sometimes awkward behaviour.

"You know, I always wanted to be normal!" she exclaimed. "I try so hard to be normal, and then people still say I'm offbeat! Being an actor you realise you have a persona and that you have to accept it.

"I'm just glad they have something nice to say, it's flattering!"