Ant Anstead Says He Often Forgets Girlfriend Renee Zellweger Is Famous in Rare Mention: 'She's So Normal'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ant Anstead and Renee Zellweger.Photo:Amy Sussman/Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Amy Sussman/Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Ant Ansteadmay be dating the star of an iconic film franchise, but he says his relationship withRenée Zellwegeris surprisingly normal.

“I don’t give it any time,” the formerWheeler Dealershost said. “I mean, ultimately, it is microscopically examined, I’m sure, but I don’t really think about that. She’s so incredibly normal and I often forget that she’s famous.”

Renee Zellweger and Ant Anstead.Ella Hovsepian/Getty

Ella Hovsepian/Getty

Thecouple began datingaftermeeting on the set of his Discovery+ showCelebrity IOU: Joyridein early June 2021.

“Thank you, Discovery, for your dating services,” Ant joked of their initial meeting.

Ant Anstead Instagram

Anstead, who was promoting his latest show on the network,Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic,said Zellweger wouldn’t be joining him on the new series due to conflicting schedules.

“Unfortunately, while I was filming through the summer, she was also busy, so it didn’t work out,” he said, referring to the making ofBridget Jones: Mad About The Boy,which has been shooting in London.

While Anstead said he doesn’t yet have plans to travel to the U.K. for the premiere of Zellweger’s film, he’s an admirer of the iconic series.

Ant Anstead/instagram

In August, a smitten Ansteadsharedhis reaction to the movie poster for the fourthBridget Jonesinstallment.

“Oh man… she’s so beautiful….!” he wrote on hisInstagram Stories. “That’s my Ren (lucky boy),” he added, along with a heart-eye emoji.

Ant Anstead’s Instagram post.Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

The much-anticipated movie is scheduled to premiere on Valentine’s Day in 2025.Hugh GrantandEmma Thompsonalso return, alongside new cast membersLeo WoodallandIsla Fisher.

In April 2024, a sourcetold PEOPLEthat Anstead would be temporarily relocating back to his native England while Zellweger worked on the project.

“Ant is going over to the U.K. with Renée while she is filming [Bridget Jones’s Diary4] later this year,” the insider told PEOPLE at the time. “Ant is excited to spend time with his older kiddos.”

Ant Anstead/ Instagram

Zellweger and Ansteadshare a home together in Orange Countythat they moved into in spring 2023, a sourceconfirmed to PEOPLEat the time.

Last month, Anstead included a nod to Zellweger ina birthday tributeto Hudson.

“Happy birthday Hudzo! WOW what a privilege it’s been to witness you become a bright, sparkly, funny, brilliant, generous, magnetic, talented and kind little man,” Anstead began his caption on Sept. 6.

“NayNay and I love you very much!” he added, seemingly using Hudson’s nickname for Zellweger.

Ant Anstead’s Instagram post.Ant Anstead/Instagram

Ant Anstead/Instagram

In September, Anstead alsoshared a photoof a bouquet of white roses he seemingly received from Zellweger on hisInstagram Stories.

“Ladies…Trust Me on This! Buy Men Flowers!” Anstead captioned the post.

While he has plenty to celebrate at the moment, Anstead is also facing a difficult time with his supercar company,Radford Motors, which is facing several lawsuits. Thecompany filed for bankruptcyon Oct. 22 and iscurrently undergoing restructuring, PEOPLE confirmed on Tuesday.

source: people.com