Renée Zellweger’s Boyfriend Ant Anstead Opens Up About Why Marriage Isn't A Priority

Jul 30, 2026 by apost team

Five years into their relationship, Ant Anstead revealed that the strongest part of his romance with Renée Zellweger isn’t built on headlines or Hollywood glamour. It’s the everyday moments they share away from the spotlight.

Speaking with The Telegraph, the British television host reflected on how his relationship with the Oscar-winning actress had grown since they first met in 2021 while filming “Celebrity IOU: Joyride.” Although Zellweger appeared on the show only as a guest, Anstead said she quickly proved she was much more than a celebrity making a cameo.

“Renée is a hands-on car girl,” he told The Telegraph. “She used a grinder to cut metal, she was welding, she was on the spanners.”

Her enthusiasm surprised him, but it was another moment on set that convinced him she genuinely loved working on cars. When production needed someone to move a vehicle for a scene, Zellweger volunteered without hesitation.

“A lot of people in America don’t drive stick,” Anstead recalled, referring to driving manual cars. “Ren jumps in, goes, ‘I’ll do it!’, slams it into first, and off she goes.”

Watching her confidently drive the manual transmission left a lasting impression.

“I’m like, ‘Wow. This lady really knows her cars,’” he said.

That first encounter laid the foundation for a relationship that has remained remarkably private despite both of them being in the public eye. Five years later, Anstead said the qualities that caught his attention then are still the ones he admires most today.

Those qualities, Anstead said, have only become more apparent as their relationship has grown.

Speaking with The Telegraph, he described Zellweger as “a very real person” who is “absolutely brilliant, the most grounded, humble person.” Whether it’s a project around the house or time spent together away from work, he said she’s never afraid to get involved.

“If there’s a car job to be done at home, I say, ‘We’re doing this together. Put your overalls on, let’s go,’” he said.

Although the couple rarely share details about their private life, Anstead gave fans a rare glimpse into their relationship earlier this year. In April, he celebrated their fifth anniversary with an Instagram tribute that looked back at where it all began.

Posting a throwback photo from the set of “Celebrity IOU: Joyride,” he wrote, “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 heartfelt message sparked renewed interest in the couple’s future and whether marriage was in the cards, especially since Anstead has occasionally referred to Zellweger as “the missus.” But speaking candidly with The Telegraph, he made it clear that the nickname shouldn’t be mistaken for wedding plans.

“I still believe in marriage, but right now we’re really happy. We don’t need the pressure of a label.”

For Anstead, five years together have shown that commitment isn’t measured by a ceremony or a title. As long as they continue building a life they’re both happy with, he said there was no reason to rush what already felt so right.

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Have you been following Ant Anstead and Renée Zellweger’s relationship over the years? What do you think about their decision to take their own approach to marriage? Let us know, and then pass this story along to your family, friends, and fellow Renée Zellweger fans.