Ant Anstead Expresses Shock Over Renee Zellweger Not Being British: 'Like A Dream Crusher'

Ant Anstead has revealed that he didn’t know Renee Zellweger wasn’t British until they met. Anstead and Zellweger have been dating since June after knowing each other on the set of the car guru’s new Discovery+ show, “Celebrity IOU: Joyride.”

The first episode of the show, which premiered Monday, featured the “Wheeler Dealer” star and his co-host, Cristy Lee, getting to spend time with Zellweger as they worked together in restoring two special cars. The cars were intended to serve as gifts for brothers Jerome and Jerald, who acted as caregivers to Zellweger’s late publicist Nanci Ryder during her ALS battle.

Before starting their work on the cars, Lee initiated a small talk with Anstead to fill in on their female celebrity guest. “Did you know that during the filming of ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary,’ Renee spoke with a British accent even when she wasn’t on set?” she told Anstead. “In fact, she kept it up until the wrap party!” Lee added.

Shocked by Lee’s revelation, the U.K.-born and raised host responded, “Are you telling me that Bridget Jones—Renee Zellweger—isn’t British?”

When Lee told him that the actress was from Texas, Anstead told her, “You’re like a dream crusher for me.”

While Anstead was totally surprised by the news, Zellweger not being British wasn’t really a dealbreaker for Anstead. As People confirmed, the “Judy” star and Anstead started dating in June after instantly clicking on the show.

A source previously told the outlet that despite being an unlikely duo, the pair was able to bond over their common interests after Zellweger met Anstead on the set of his show.

“Sometimes two people just meet and click, and the timing is right,” the source told the outlet. “Renee 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 source also revealed that despite being busy with their own projects and careers, Anstead and Zellweger have “a major attraction to each other.” In fact, Anstead has already introduced Zellweger to his almost two-year-old son with ex-wife Christina Haack, Hudson.