If you walked into a quiet coffee shop in Laguna Beach tomorrow, you probably wouldn’t notice the two-time Oscar winner sitting in the corner. Honestly, that’s exactly how she likes it. For the last few years, the world has been trying to figure out how a British car mechanic and a Hollywood legend became one of the most stable couples in the industry. Ant Anstead and Renee Zellweger are basically the antithesis of the typical "celebrity power couple," and that’s precisely why they’re still together in 2026.
They don't do the constant red carpet rotations. You won't see them selling wedding photos to the highest bidder. In fact, most of what we know comes from accidental paparazzi shots or Ant’s occasional, gushing Instagram posts.
The Meet-Cute Nobody Saw Coming
It all started with a car. Not a Ferrari or a vintage Porsche, but a production for Discovery+. Back in 2021, Renee appeared on Celebrity IOU: Joyride. She wanted to give back to the nurses who cared for her late publicist, Nanci Ryder.
Enter Ant Anstead.
He was the host, the guy with the grease on his hands and the British charm. It wasn't supposed to be a date. But serendipity is a funny thing. Renee later told Harper’s Bazaar that she felt like Nanci was looking out for her from above. She called the meeting "serendipity." They clicked almost instantly. It wasn't just about the cars—though Ant recently joked that Renee is a "hands-on car girl" who isn't afraid to weld—it was about a shared desire for a quiet life.
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Why Ant Anstead and Renee Zellweger Moved to San Diego
For a long time, rumors swirled that they were living separate lives. People saw Renee in London filming Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and Ant working in the UK, and the "breakup" headlines started flying in 2025.
They weren't breaking up. They were just working.
By early 2026, it’s clearer than ever that they’ve built a permanent base together. Renee actually confirmed to British Vogue that she’s living in Southern California. Specifically, near San Diego. Why? "Because that’s where my fellow lives, and his little boy," she said.
That "little boy" is Hudson, Ant’s youngest son with his ex-wife, Christina Hall. Seeing Renee step into the "bonus mom" role has been one of the more surprising and sweet developments of this relationship. She’s been spotted at Hudson’s school performances and even holding him at football games. It’s a far cry from the glitz of the Academy Awards, but it seems to suit her perfectly.
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The "Band-Aid" Incident and Engagement Rumors
Everyone wants to know: Are they married?
The internet went into a total meltdown in January 2025. Renee showed up to the London premiere of the new Bridget Jones movie with bandages on her left ring finger. Seriously. Two band-aids. Fans were convinced she was hiding a massive diamond.
Ant didn't walk the red carpet with her—he’s pretty disciplined about letting her have her professional moments—but he was there for the afterparty. They were seen holding hands, looking as smitten as teenagers. While they haven't officially confirmed an engagement, sources close to the couple say they've been "mapping out their long-term future" for a while now.
What makes them work?
- Privacy is a Religion: They don't overshare. When Ant posts a photo of "Ren," it’s usually blurry or a candid moment.
- Blended Family Success: Ant’s older kids, Amelie and Archie, absolutely adore her.
- Opposites Attract: He’s a motorhead; she’s a literary, creative soul.
- No Pressure: They didn't rush to move in. They took years to find a house "they both love."
Dealing With the Tabloid Noise
Being with a high-profile guy like Ant, who has a very public history with HGTV stars, could have been a nightmare for someone as private as Renee. But they’ve managed the "ex" factor with a lot of grace. Even when the Daily Mail tried to stir up drama in May 2025 by claiming Ant was staying at another woman's house while Renee was filming in New York, the couple didn't bite. They issued a simple clarification through a rep and kept it moving.
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The truth is, Ant is Renee’s biggest cheerleader. When the trailer for her latest movie dropped, he called her a "bloomin' Bridget genius."
What’s Next for the Couple?
As we move through 2026, don't expect a televised wedding or a reality show. That’s just not their style. Instead, expect more sightings at rugby games in the UK and beach days in Orange County.
If you're looking for the "secret sauce" here, it's the lack of performance. They aren't trying to be a "brand." They're just two people who met at a time when they both needed something real. For Renee, it’s a stable home base after years of being a nomad. For Ant, it’s a partner who sees the man, not just the TV personality.
Key takeaways for fans following the couple:
- Watch the Instagram stories: Ant is much more likely to drop a hint about their life than Renee is.
- Look for them in the UK: They split their time between California and London, especially when Ant’s older children are involved.
- Expect a "stealth" wedding: If they do get married, you probably won't find out until weeks after it happens.
The relationship between Ant Anstead and Renee Zellweger proves that even in Hollywood, you can find a quiet corner to build something that actually lasts. It's not about the flash; it's about who's standing there when the cameras are finally turned off.
To keep up with their latest moves, keep an eye on Radford Motors events, where Ant often debuts new projects with Renee quietly supporting from the sidelines.