Five years into his relationship with Renée Zellweger, Ant Anstead is clear about one thing: they're not in a hurry to get married. The British television presenter and car expert opened up about their romance in a recent interview, revealing that while he still believes in marriage, the couple is happy as they are.

"I still believe in marriage, but right now we're really happy. We don't need the pressure of a label," Anstead said, reflecting on his relationship with the Oscar-winning actress. His comments come after the couple celebrated their fifth anniversary in April 2026, marking a milestone that once seemed unlikely for two fiercely private people.

How Ant Anstead and Renée Zellweger Met

Anstead and Zellweger first crossed paths in April 2021 on the set of his Discovery+ show, Celebrity IOU Joyride. The series, which refurbishes cars for deserving individuals, brought Zellweger to Anstead's workshop. She wanted to honor twin brothers, Jerome and Jerald, who had served as caretakers for her friend and former publicist, Nanci Ryder. Ryder, diagnosed with ALS in 2014, passed away in 2020.

The connection was immediate. Anstead later recalled being struck by Zellweger's hands-on approach. "Renée is a hands-on car girl. She used a grinder to cut metal, she was welding, she was on the spanners," he told The Telegraph in July 2026. He also remembered a moment from the first day of filming when the crew needed to relocate a car. "Ren jumps in, goes, 'I'll do it!', slams it into first, and off she goes. I'm like, 'Wow. This lady really knows her cars.'"

Zellweger, who rarely appears in such unscripted settings, seemed equally at ease. Anstead later noted that she "never normally does [projects] outside film," making her participation in the car show all the more special. The two reportedly hit it off instantly, bonding over their shared love of creativity, privacy, and hands-on work.

Going Public and Building a Relationship

By June 2021, rumors were circulating that the pair were dating. A source told People at the time that the two had a surprising amount in common. "Sometimes two people just meet and click, and the timing is right," the insider said. "Renée is creative...and often goes for guys who think out of the box. She's smart, thoughtful, and always looking to expand horizons and nurture those around her."

The couple kept their relationship largely under wraps during the first few months. They were photographed together over the Fourth of July weekend in 2021 at Anstead's Laguna Beach home, and by August they attended a gala together. Anstead addressed the growing speculation during an appearance on E!'s Daily Pop, saying, "Look…everybody knows that Renée and I have become quite close, because we kept it secret for a while, and unfortunately some pictures were taken and put out there."

In September 2021, Anstead made things Instagram official with a black-and-white photo of the couple. Around the same time, he shared with People that the relationship was "something that's really private" and that he didn't want to "put any pressure on that." He also revealed that Zellweger had hit it off with his daughter, Amelie. "She and Ren really hit it off. Just as two girls," he said. "Amelie's amazing because she's so talented and funny, and she has this strand of kindness just running through her. She's just this really kind, solid human."

A source described the relationship at the time as serious, noting, "There is so much respect between them. They spend as much time as possible together when they aren't working on other projects. They truly like each other as well as their romantic attraction."

A Timeline of Romance and Milestones

Over the years, Anstead and Zellweger have continued to build their life together, though they've remained selective about what they share publicly. In October 2021, Anstead visited Zellweger in New Orleans while she was filming The Thing About Pam. He told Entertainment Tonight about wandering into a jazz room and enjoying the city together.

By April 2022, Zellweger spoke publicly about Anstead for the first time in an interview with Harper's Bazaar. When asked if her late friend Nanci Ryder had brought them together, she joked, "Yeah, we do joke about that. She's always doing her best. It made me smile to think on this, yeah, the serendipity of it all."

In January 2023, the couple shared a video on Instagram dancing in a dark courtyard, offering fans a rare glimpse of their playful dynamic. A few months later, in April 2023, a source told People that they had "found a house that they both love and are moving in together." The source added, "They are very happy and in love. They have tried to keep their relationship private and low-key because of Hudson."

Hudson is Anstead's young son from his marriage to Christina Haack, who finalized their divorce in June 2021. Anstead also shares two older children, Archie and Amelie, with his first wife, Louise Storey. Zellweger has embraced her role as a partner to Anstead and a presence in his children's lives, though she has kept her own family life largely out of the spotlight.

In late 2023, they were photographed together at a book launch, and by February 2024, Anstead referenced "Ren" in a social media post about their home. He wrote, "Come back already!!!! Cali calls for you! Ren and I have the spare room poised x," after a friend visited them.

In April 2024, it was reported that Zellweger would move to the U.K. to film Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, and Anstead planned to relocate to London to be close to her. The move also allowed him to spend more time with his older children, who live in Britain. The couple were photographed kissing at Archie's rugby game in late April, showing their affection in a public setting.

By late 2024 and early 2025, the pair appeared increasingly comfortable together at events, including the London premiere of Zellweger's film in January 2025. They held hands as they left the after-party, Zellweger in a pink gown. Anstead later shared his pride in her work, especially when a statue honoring her Bridget Jones character was unveiled in London. He reshared the moment with the caption "Iconic."

Why They Aren't Rushing to the Altar

While many fans have wondered when Anstead and Zellweger might get engaged, the couple has made it clear that they are not following a traditional timeline. In his July 2026 interview, Anstead explained that although he often refers to Zellweger as "the missus," marriage isn't on the immediate horizon.

"I still believe in marriage, but right now we're really happy. We don't need the pressure of a label," he reiterated. This sentiment echoes what he has said for years: that their relationship works because they respect each other's privacy and don't force anything.

Anstead has also praised Zellweger for her influence on his life and work. Discussing his farmhouse restoration project, he told Hello! in September 2025, "She's been a big influence on that; she's very, very good at designing. So, I'm obviously going to take advice from the person who's way better at houses than I am. I am constantly being advised, because she's the greatest human I've ever met."

He also highlighted that their shared passion for cars remains central to their bond. "One of the many, many things that attracts me to Ren is that she's a hands-on car girl. It's really cool that we met on a car show. She welded—I mean, how cool is that?" he said.

Looking Ahead

As they celebrate more than five years together, Anstead and Zellweger continue to balance their respective careers and family lives. Anstead is a busy television host and mechanic, while Zellweger has been focused on her acting projects, including the Bridget Jones franchise. The couple's ability to support each other's professional ambitions has been a key part of their relationship.

In his anniversary post in April 2026, Anstead shared an image from when they first met, writing, "How it started….. Happy FIVE YEAR anniversary my beautiful lady! Hands down The best human I know! Luckiest boy! I love you my Ren." The photo showed Zellweger laughing with her eyes shut while holding a power tool, a fitting reminder of the moment that started it all.

For now, the couple seems content to move at their own pace. They have built a strong foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared interests, all while maintaining the privacy they both value. Whether or not marriage is in their future, Anstead and Zellweger's relationship stands as a testament to the idea that love doesn't have to follow a prescribed path.

Source:Yahoo Entertainment News