She plays our favourite unlucky-in-love character in the Bridget Jones movie series, but recent reports suggest Renée Zellweger’s off-screen love life might be far from perfect, too.
The 56-year-old actress has been in a relationship with British motoring TV presenter Ant Anstead, 46, since June 2021. But last week, Ant was seen leaving the home of wealthy California divorcée Julia French, with him rumoured to be staying in the guest house of her Laguna Beach property while Renée was away filming in New York.
Now, pals are urging Renée to end things before she has her heart broken.
'Ant has insisted he’s done nothing wrong, but Renée’s friends feel the fact he’s staying with this beautiful divorcée is a huge red flag, even if he has been living in the guest house,' an insider tells heat. 'Renée trusts Ant wouldn’t cheat on her, even if they have been spending less time together recently. Ultimately, her wish is to stay together, but a lot of people in Renée’s world are telling her it’s not worth the hassle. Only time will tell if she takes their advice.’
Ant’s rep strenuously denied the pair had split, saying he had spent a few days staying at his long-time friend’s guest house while visiting from the UK, and revealing that he and Renée ‘remain in a cherished relationship’.
Fans of Renée have been hoping she would find her very own Mark Darcy following her unlucky love life. She previously dated her Me, Myself & Irene co-star Jim Carrey and The White Stripes’ Jack White, before marrying country singer Kenny Chesney in May 2005 – just four months after meeting. However, their marriage was annulled in September that year. She also dated Bradley Cooper after meeting on the set of their 2009 movie Case 39, but they split after two years. Her longest relationship to date is with musician Doyle Bramhall II, who she dated from 2012 until 2019.
Ant – who has three children from previous relationships – has been struggling financially in recent months, with his luxury car company Radford Motors filing for bankruptcy, as well as facing a series of lawsuits from clients worth over $3million. Ant has said he remains ‘fully committed’ to the company despite its current ‘challenges’.
While many may see the situation as a red flag, our source adds that Renée – who has a reported net worth of $90million – has found the good in Ant’s personal circumstances. We’re told, ‘Renée isn’t ready to dump him over this. He’s way too proud to ask her to bail him out, which Renée sees as a good thing. But her friends aren't so understanding.’