If you’d told anyone back in 2020 that Hollywood royalty Renee Zellweger would find her "forever person" on a Discovery+ car renovation show, they would’ve laughed you out of the room. It sounds like the plot of a Hallmark movie that tried too hard. Yet, here we are in early 2026, and the Oscar winner and her British boyfriend, Ant Anstead, are arguably one of the sturdiest pairs in the industry.
Honestly, it's the lack of drama that makes them so fascinating. In a world of PR-stunt romances and messy TikTok breakups, Renee and Ant have built something that feels... well, normal.
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The Meet-Cute That Actually Happened
They met in April 2021. Renee was appearing on Celebrity IOU: Joyride to surprise two nurses who had cared for her late publicist, Nanci Ryder. She didn't just show up for a photo op; she actually got her hands dirty. Ant recently gushed that one of the things that hooked him was seeing her weld.
Think about that. You’re a world-famous actress with two Academy Awards, and you’re in a garage in Southern California with a blowtorch.
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Why it clicked
- Shared Privacy: Both had come out of high-profile marriages (Ant with HGTV’s Christina Hall; Renee's brief 2005 marriage to Kenny Chesney).
- The "Normal" Factor: They both seem to prefer a quiet life in San Diego over the Los Angeles gala circuit.
- The Kids: Renee has reportedly become a fixture in the lives of Ant’s children, especially 6-year-old Hudson.
Are They Married Yet? The 2026 Wedding Rumors
People have been asking about a wedding since 2023. Every time Renee is spotted with a ring—or even just hiding her hand in a pocket—the tabloids go into a frenzy. Just last year, during the promo tour for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the engagement rumors hit a fever pitch.
Ant’s representative had to step in around May 2025 to shut down gossip that they’d split up because they were working on different continents. The truth was way more boring: he was in the UK filming season three of Born Mechanic, and she was in New York for Only Murders in the Building.
They’re still very much "together and cherished," as the reps put it. But as for a walk down the aisle? They’re in no rush. Ant’s been vocal about not wanting to "pressure" the relationship. It’s a refreshing change of pace for Hollywood.
Life in San Diego: A Far Cry from the Red Carpet
Renee basically ditched her Los Angeles lifestyle to move closer to Ant and Hudson. She told British Vogue in 2025 that she lives near San Diego now. Why? "Because that’s where my fellow lives," she said. It’s a simple, grounded reason that explains why we rarely see them in the paparazzi lens unless they’re grabbing coffee or riding bikes.
What's next for the couple?
As of January 2026, Ant is deep into the renovation of a house for his parents in the UK, a project that Renee has reportedly been helping him design. It turns out she’s better at interior design than he is, which he openly admits.
While Renee continues to balance her massive acting career with this low-key domestic life, the "Zellstead" era shows no signs of slowing down. They've figured out the secret that eludes most famous couples: keep the cameras on the work and the heart in the home.
Actionable Insights for Following the Couple:
- Check Ant's Instagram for updates: He is the "social" one of the two, often sharing small glimpses of their life, whereas Renee has no public social media footprint.
- Watch Born Mechanic (Season 3): Premiering in summer 2026, the show features the house project Renee has influenced.
- Ignore the "Split" Headlines: Usually, these pop up whenever they are filming in different countries; their track record shows they prioritize their "cherished relationship" despite the distance.