Have you been wondering about Renée Zellweger husband? You’re in good company.
Fans have been buzzing about her relationship status, especially after she stepped out looking radiant with someone special at recent Hollywood events. With so many rumors swirling around, it’s easy to lose track of what’s actually happening.
Here’s what I know for sure: Renée Zellweger has been dating British television host Ant Anstead since June 2021. Their love story started in the most unexpected way, on the set of Discovery+’s “Celebrity IOU: Joyride.” This guide walks you through their entire journey together, from that first meeting to their most recent public appearances in 2025.
Keep reading to discover the real story behind this Hollywood romance!
Key Takeaways
- Renée Zellweger and Ant Anstead met filming “Celebrity IOU: Joyride” in April 2021 and started dating in June 2021.
- The couple made their first public appearance at the Radford Motors gala at the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California, in August 2021.
- They confirmed their relationship on Instagram in September 2021 with a black-and-white photo.
- Renée moved in with Ant in April 2023, marking their two-year anniversary together.
- The actress has formed a close bond with Ant’s three children: Amelie (21), Archie (18), and Hudson (5).
- In January 2025, the couple attended the London premiere of “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” together, sparking engagement rumors.
- As of 2025, they continue dating and living together near San Diego, California.
How Did Renée Zellweger and Ant Anstead Meet?
Their meeting has one of the sweetest backstories in Hollywood.
Renée’s journey to meeting Ant began with heartbreak. Her longtime publicist and friend, Nanci Ryder, passed away in June 2020 after battling ALS. While grieving, Renée discovered the HGTV series “Celebrity IOU,” where famous people honor loved ones through home renovations.
That’s when she learned about the spin-off show.
Where did Renée Zellweger and Ant Anstead first meet?
The Oscar-winning actress met Ant Anstead on the set of “Celebrity IOU: Joyride” in April 2021. She joined the Discovery+ show to honor twin brothers Jerome Cowan and Jerald Cowan, the nurses who had cared for Nanci Ryder during her final years.
According to a 2021 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ant revealed that Renée learned to weld during filming. He praised her willingness to get hands-on with the car restoration project.
The episode featured Ant and co-host Cristy Lee helping Renée create custom car builds as a thank-you gift. What started as a professional collaboration quickly became something more personal. A source told People in June 2021 that the two “surprisingly had a lot in common.”
That workshop in California changed both their lives.
When Did Their Relationship Begin?
Sparks flew almost immediately after they met, but the couple kept things quiet at first.
When was their relationship confirmed?
People magazine confirmed Renée and Ant were dating in June 2021. The first hints came from paparazzi photos snapped over Fourth of July weekend at Ant’s beach house in Laguna Beach, California. They were spotted drinking coffee together on his balcony.
A source told People at the time, “Sometimes two people just meet and click, and the timing is right.”
The timing was significant. Ant’s divorce from Christina Haack had been finalized just weeks earlier in June 2021. They share a son, Hudson, who was born in September 2019.
During a September 2021 appearance on E!’s Daily Pop, Ant addressed the relationship publicly for the first time. He explained that they had tried to keep things private but admitted, “Everybody knows that Renée and I have become quite close.”
When did they make their first public appearance together?
The couple made their official debut at the Radford Motors gala at the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California, on August 7, 2021. Ant wore a classic black-and-white tuxedo, while Renée looked elegant in a flowing black gown with matching pumps.
The event held special meaning for Ant. He co-founded Radford Motors, a luxury car company. That evening marked the unveiling of their first collaboration with Lotus Cars.
They posed for photos with friends, including Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lydia McLaughlin and her husband, Doug. Entertainment outlets like E! News and People quickly picked up the story, cementing this as the moment their relationship became Hollywood official.
A source told People in August 2021 that the couple was already “getting pretty serious about each other.”
Key Milestones in Their Timeline
Their relationship has had several sweet moments that fans have celebrated along the way.
When did they make their Instagram relationship official?
Ant shared a black-and-white photo with Renée on Instagram on September 16, 2021. The simple post showed them together, with a caption that hinted at their desire for privacy. He wrote about keeping some things close to the heart.
The post went viral immediately.
Fans flooded the comments with supportive messages. This marked a turning point for the usually private actress, who avoids social media entirely. According to a 2022 interview with The Sunday Times, Renée explained she doesn’t pay attention to online gossip, saying, “I don’t think it would be a good thing for me.”
How did Ant Anstead celebrate Renée’s birthday?
In January 2023, Ant posted a heartwarming video on Instagram for Renée’s birthday. The clip showed them dancing together, their faces lit up with genuine joy. He captured their easy affection and the comfortable way they moved together.
The post was pure sweetness.
Fans loved seeing this rare glimpse into their private world. One follower commented on how natural their chemistry looked. The birthday tribute showed how comfortable Ant had become sharing small moments from their life together.
How did they celebrate two years together?
April 2023 brought a major step for the couple. According to a source who spoke to People that month, they found a house they both loved and moved in together. This came around the same time Ant decided to sell his Laguna Beach property.
Ant marked their second anniversary with romantic Instagram posts. One showed them kissing, while another featured them walking hand-in-hand. He captioned one photo: “Always Pause for moments of magic under twinkly lights.”
The decision to share a home signaled their commitment. It also meant Renée would be living full-time near Ant’s youngest son, Hudson.
What Are the Recent Updates on Their Relationship?
The couple has remained strong through 2024 and into 2025, despite occasional rumors.
Did Renée bond with Ant’s children?
Yes, and the connection has grown beautifully over time.
Ant shares three children from previous marriages. His eldest, Amelie (21) and Archie (18), live primarily in England with their mother, Louise Storey. His youngest, Hudson (5), lives in California with joint custody shared between Ant and Christina Haack.
Renée first spent Christmas 2021 with Ant’s older children. Ant told people at the time that “everybody got on famously.” He noted that Renée and his daughter Amelie “really hit it off.”
According to a May 2022 report from Us Weekly, Renée had formed a particularly close bond with young Hudson. A source shared, “Renée’s really bonded with him, and Ant loves how doting and caring she is with his kids when they’re all together.”
The insider added that Renée “loves taking trips to the park and long walks on the beach” with the children.
Hudson has a special nickname for Renée. According to reports, he calls her “NayNay.” In 2024, when the family traveled to the UK while Renée filmed “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” Ant posted photos on Instagram referencing “Ammo, Archo & Ren,” showing how integrated she’s become in family life.
What happened at the Bridget Jones premiere in 2025?
January 2025 brought major headlines for the couple.
On January 29, 2025, Renée attended the London premiere of “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. Ant didn’t walk the red carpet with her, but he attended the screening with his two eldest children, Amelie and Archie. He also brought his parents, Nigel and Sue Anstead.
The family night out became an Instagram moment. Ant posted, “Midweek movie night with the kiddos.” He jokingly wrote about having “a mega crush” on the lead actress and told “the missus” she was his “hall pass.
His daughter Amelie commented, “Had the best time! Super proud of Ren!!”
But one detail caught everyone’s attention. Renée posed for red carpet photos with a bandage wrapped around her ring finger. The Daily Mail speculated she might be hiding an engagement ring. Neither Renée nor Ant has addressed these rumors directly.
After the premiere, they were photographed leaving the afterparty at Brasserie Zédel hand-in-hand, looking “completely smitten,” according to Hello! Magazine.
Are they still together in 2025?
Yes, absolutely.
In May 2025, The Daily Mail published a report suggesting the couple was living apart. The story claimed Ant had been spotted spending time at a friend’s home in Laguna Beach.
Ant’s representative quickly shut down the rumors. On May 29, 2025, the rep told People: “Sadly, the recent reports in the press are disrespectful and misleading.” They clarified that Ant had only stayed “a handful of days” in a friend’s guest house and that he and Renée “remain in a cherished relationship that they ask to keep private.”
The statement explained their time apart was due to work commitments. Ant had been “spending the majority of his time working in the UK,” while Renée was filming “Only Murders in the Building” in New York City.
In a September 2025 interview with Hello! Magazine, Ant called Renée “the greatest human ever.” He praised her help in designing and decorating his California home.
Where does Renée live now?
In a January 2025 interview with British Vogue, Renée opened up about her living situation. She told her former co-star Hugh Grant: “I live in Southern California, near San Diego. Because that’s where my fellow lives, and his little boy.”
This was a big reveal. The actress, known for valuing her privacy, had relocated from her previous base to be closer to Ant and Hudson. It showed her commitment to making their blended family work.
She’s embraced the quieter California lifestyle, far from the Hollywood spotlight.
Renée’s Past Relationships
Before meeting Ant, Renée had several high-profile relationships.
Was Renée Zellweger married before?
Yes, briefly.
In May 2005, Renée married country music star Kenny Chesney in an intimate ceremony at his private estate in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The marriage lasted just four months. She filed for an annulment, citing “fraud” as the legal reason.
Kenny later opened up about the split in a 2010 interview with Oprah Winfrey. He explained he wasn’t ready for marriage at the time, saying: “This is the first time I’ve actually talked about it, but that’s what happened.”
Who else did Renée date?
Her dating history includes several notable names:
- Jim Carrey (1999-2000): They were engaged after meeting on set but never married.
- Jack White (2003-2004): The White Stripes musician dated Renée for about a year.
- Bradley Cooper (2009-2011): They met filming “Case 39” and dated for two years. Engagement rumors circulated but never materialized.
- Doyle Bramhall II (2012-2019): The blues musician and Renée had her longest relationship before Ant, lasting seven years.
Who is Ant Anstead?
For those unfamiliar with Renée’s current boyfriend, here’s his background.
Anthony Richard Anstead was born on March 28, 1979, in Plymouth, Devon, England. He’s 46 years old (Renée is 56). Before his television career, Ant served as a police constable with Hertfordshire Constabulary from 1999 to 2005. He received two commendations for bravery during his service.
In 2005, Ant left the police force to pursue his true passion: building and restoring cars.
What shows has Ant hosted?
Ant became known for several automotive shows:
- Wheeler Dealers (2017-2021): He replaced Edd China as co-host alongside Mike Brewer during the show’s U.S. production.
- For the Love of Cars: He co-presented this Channel 4 show with actor Philip Glenister.
- Celebrity IOU: Joyride (2021): This Discovery+ series is where he met Renée.
- Ant Anstead Master Mechanic: He hand-built an homage to the Alfa Romeo 158 in this 2019 series.
What is Radford Motors?
Ant co-founded Radford Motors, a luxury car company that collaborates with brands like Lotus. The August 2021 gala where he and Renée made their debut was celebrating Radford’s first collaboration car.
The company faced challenges. In October 2024, Radford Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid fraud lawsuits. Co-founder Daniel Bednarski stated they were implementing “strategic changes to strengthen our foundation for the future.”
Ant’s previous marriages
Ant was first married to Louise Storey from 2005 to 2017. They dated for nine years before marrying and were together for 22 years total. They remain on friendly terms and share custody of Amelie and Archie.
He then married Christina Haack in December 2018 at their Newport Beach home. Their son Hudson was born in September 2019. The couple separated in September 2020 after less than two years of marriage. Their divorce was finalized in June 2021, the same month he began dating Renée.
The custody arrangement for Hudson initially sparked conflict. Ant sought full custody at one point, citing concerns about Christina’s involvement. They eventually agreed to joint custody. Today, Ant and Christina maintain a co-parenting relationship.
Takeaways
Love can surprise you at any stage of life. Just ask Renée Zellweger and Ant Anstead.
What started as a chance meeting on a reality TV set in 2021 has blossomed into one of Hollywood’s most enduring private romances. From coffee mornings in Laguna Beach to family movie nights at London premieres, these two have built something real away from the spotlight.
They’ve shown us that sometimes the best relationships grow quietly. Renée relocated her entire life to be near Ant and his young son. She’s formed genuine bonds with all three of his children. Ant, for his part, calls her “the greatest human” he’s ever met.
Will wedding bells ring in 2025? Only time will tell. For now, they’re enjoying their life together in Southern California, blending their families and supporting each other’s careers. Whether Renée’s bandaged finger at the Bridget Jones premiere was hiding an engagement ring or just protecting an injury, one thing is clear: this relationship continues to thrive on their own terms.
That’s the kind of Hollywood ending we can all root for.
FAQs on Renée Zellweger Husband
1. Is Renée Zellweger married to Ant Anstead in 2025?
No, Renée Zellweger and Ant Anstead are not married, but they remain in a committed relationship. They met on the set of his show *Celebrity IOU: Joyride* in June 2021 and have been together ever since. Recent rumors suggest a private engagement is planned, though the couple has not confirmed anything publicly.
2. Who was Renée Zellweger’s husband before Ant Anstead?
Her only husband was country singer Kenny Chesney, whom she married in May 2005 on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their marriage was brief, and Zellweger filed for an annulment just four months later, citing “fraud” in the legal papers.
3. Did Renée Zellweger date anyone famous besides Ant Anstead and Kenny Chesney?
Yes, her dating history includes several notable figures. She was engaged to actor Jim Carrey for a year after meeting on the set of *Me, Myself & Irene* in 1999. She also had a seven-year relationship with musician Doyle Bramhall II from 2012 to 2019 and dated Jack White of The White Stripes.
4. What did Zellweger reveal about moving to London?
Zellweger has mentioned she enjoys living in London because it allows her to experience a sense of anonymity and a different pace of life. She famously gained weight and perfected an English accent for her iconic role in *Bridget Jones’s Diary*. She finds the city creatively inspiring and splits her time between the U.K. and the United States.
5. When did Ant Anstead and Renée Zellweger start dating?
They met in June 2021 while filming an episode of the Discovery+ series *Celebrity IOU: Joyride*.
6. What movies helped launch Renée Zellweger’s career?
While she appeared in early films like *Empire Records*, her breakout role was playing Dorothy Boyd opposite Tom Cruise in the 1996 hit *Jerry Maguire*. She has since won two Academy Awards, one for Best Supporting Actress for *Cold Mountain* (2004) and another for Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland in *Judy* (2020).
