If you had "Oscar-winning Hollywood icon" and "British car restoration expert" on your 2021 celebrity romance bingo card, you're either a psychic or lying. Honestly, it’s one of those pairings that sounds like a fever dream until you see them together. Then, suddenly, it makes perfect sense. Renee Zellweger boyfriend Ant Anstead isn't just some guy she met at a party; he’s a TV host, a father of three, and apparently, the man who finally got the notoriously private actress to settle down in a house by the beach.
People are obsessed with them. Why? Because it’s normal. In a world of PR stunts and "situationships," Renee and Ant feel like that couple you know from the local coffee shop who actually like each other.
The Meet-Cute That Wasn't a Script
They didn't meet on a movie set. There was no craft services table or high-budget trailer. Instead, they met because Renee wanted to give back. In April 2021, she appeared on an episode of Celebrity IOU: Joyride. The premise was simple: celebrities help fix up cars for people who deserve a break.
Ant was the host. Renee was the guest.
The chemistry was instant, but they kept it quiet. You’ve gotta admire that. In an era where every "first date" is a TikTok story, they waited months before the world found out. By June 2021, the secret was out.
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Who Is Ant Anstead?
He’s British. That’s usually the first thing people notice. But Ant is a lot more than just a charming accent. He made his name on Wheeler Dealers and has built a career around being a "motorhead." He’s a guy who gets his hands dirty.
He also carries a fair bit of history. Before Renee, Ant was married to HGTV star Christina Hall (formerly Haack). That divorce was messy and very public. He has a young son with her, Hudson, and two older children, Amelie and Archie, from his first marriage.
- Age: 46 (He’s about ten years younger than Renee).
- Occupation: Car builder, TV presenter, author.
- Vibe: High energy, loves a "DIY" project, surprisingly romantic.
The "Missus" and the Band-Aids: Are They Married?
This is where the internet goes off the rails. Every few months, a new rumor pops up saying they’ve eloped. In January 2025, at the London premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the rumor mill hit overdrive. Renee showed up with two beige band-aids on her ring finger.
Naturally, everyone assumed she was hiding a giant rock.
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Ant didn't help the speculation when he started calling her "the missus" on Instagram. He’s been doing that for a while now. He also calls her "Ren." While they haven't confirmed a wedding, they are living like a married couple. They sold their individual homes to move into a shared space in Southern California, near San Diego.
Renee even told Hugh Grant in a British Vogue interview that she lives down there because "that's where my fellow lives." It’s cute. Kinda old-school.
Navigating the Blended Family Dynamic
Being Renee Zellweger boyfriend means bringing a Hollywood heavyweight into a domestic life. Renee doesn't have children of her own, but she’s jumped headfirst into the "stepmom" role. She’s been spotted at New Orleans Saints games with Hudson and walking on the beach with the kids.
Ant’s older kids, Amelie and Archie, seem to love her too. They’ve been seen on red carpets together and even post about her on their social media. It’s a far cry from the "Bridget Jones" loneliness we associate with her most famous character.
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Why This Relationship Works
Usually, when a big star dates someone from "reality TV," it crashes. But these two have staying power. They’ve been together over four years now.
- Privacy: They don't overshare. Ant posts the occasional "I love this lady" photo, but they aren't selling their lives to the highest bidder.
- Location: Living in San Diego keeps them away from the paparazzi hubs of West Hollywood.
- Mutual Respect: Ant constantly praises her talent, calling her a "genius" and "classy."
There was a brief moment in May 2025 where tabloids claimed they were breaking up because they were spending time apart. Ant’s rep had to actually step in and tell people to back off. The truth was boring: Ant was working in the UK, and Renee was in New York filming Only Murders in the Building. Long distance is hard, but they made it work.
What’s Next for Renee and Ant?
The big question is the wedding. Will they or won't they? Some sources claim they are planning a small, quiet ceremony in the English countryside. Others say they are perfectly happy with the "permanently dating" status.
Whatever happens, the "Bridget Jones" ending seems to have finally arrived for Renee in real life. She found her "fellow," and he happens to be a guy who knows how to fix a gearbox.
If you’re looking to follow their journey more closely, keep an eye on Ant’s Instagram—he’s the one who usually drops the breadcrumbs. You might also want to re-watch the Joyride episode where they met; the sparks are a lot more obvious when you know what happens next.
Actionable Insight: If you're following this couple for style or lifestyle inspiration, look into "Temple House," the Laguna Beach property Ant sold before they moved in together. It’s a masterclass in modern coastal design and gives a huge hint into the aesthetic they likely share in their new home.