Ant Anstead publicly praised his girlfriend Renée Zellweger in a rare Instagram post, calling her “iconic” after a statue of her Bridget Jones character was unveiled in London. This gesture comes amid their typically private relationship and recent speculation about their status.
On November 17, 2025, a bronze statue of Bridget Jones was unveiled in London’s Leicester Square, honoring the beloved character played by Renée Zellweger. Zellweger attended the ceremony, and her partner, television host Ant Anstead, shared a video of the event on his Instagram Stories with the simple caption “Iconic,” marking a rare public acknowledgment of their relationship. The statue depicts Bridget Jones holding her signature diary, symbolizing the character’s enduring legacy in popular culture.
The statue unveiling was a significant moment for Zellweger, who humorously noted in an interview with BBC News that the figure is “much cuter than me.” She reflected on the character’s widespread appeal, attributing it to Bridget’s vulnerability and relatability, which have resonated with audiences for over two decades. Zellweger’s participation in the event highlighted her pride in the role, which she has portrayed in four films since 2001.
Anstead’s supportive post is noteworthy because the couple has largely kept their romance out of the public eye since they began dating in 2021. They met on the set of Anstead’s Discovery+ series “Celebrity IOU: Joyride” and went Instagram-official later that year, but have since maintained a low profile. Their relationship has been characterized by occasional public displays of affection, but they have not been photographed together since early March 2025.
This update comes after a period of speculation about their relationship, as Zellweger was filming the fifth season of “Only Murders in the Building” in New York City over the summer, while Anstead was reported to be staying at the home of a friend in Laguna Beach. His representative clarified to Page Six that the stay was platonic and that the couple remains together, dismissing rumors of any rift. Anstead’s rep emphasized that he was dealing with financial matters and seeking a new rental, but his relationship with Zellweger is intact.
Anstead, 46, has three children from previous relationships—Amelie and Archie with ex-wife Louise Anstead, and Hudson with ex-wife Christina Haack—and Zellweger, 56, has bonded with them over the years. The family attended the London premiere of “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” together in January 2025, where Anstead praised Zellweger’s performance as “utterly brilliant” and humorously referred to her as his “hall pass.” This family involvement underscores the depth of their connection beyond the public sphere.
Despite their privacy, Anstead has occasionally shared glimpses of their life, such as anniversary posts and date night photos, but this latest Instagram story is a more direct celebration of Zellweger’s professional achievements. It aligns with his history of supporting her career, including previous social media shoutouts for her work. Their relationship appears to thrive on mutual admiration and shared values, even as they navigate the challenges of fame.
Looking ahead, the couple continues to balance their personal lives with busy professional schedules. Zellweger’s ongoing acting projects and Anstead’s television work may keep them in different locations at times, but their ability to maintain a strong bond suggests a resilient partnership. Fans can expect more subtle, heartfelt gestures rather than frequent public updates, reflecting their preference for privacy and authenticity in their relationship.
