7 Shocking Facts About Ant Anstead's Life And Career: From Police Officer To Hollywood's Beloved Car Guru

Ant Anstead, the charismatic British motor specialist, continues to capture headlines in late 2025, not just for his expert car building and television work, but also for his high-profile personal life. As of today, December 10, 2025, the star is gearing up for the second series of his show *Born Mechanic* and is reportedly planning a move to the U.K. to support his Oscar-winning girlfriend, Renée Zellweger, as she films the highly anticipated *Bridget Jones’s Diary 4*. His journey from a police officer to a globally recognized television personality is a fascinating tale of reinvention and passion. The former *Wheeler Dealers* co-host has successfully transitioned from a behind-the-scenes car builder to a major lifestyle and reality TV fixture, balancing complex automotive projects with the demands of co-parenting and a cherished relationship with one of Hollywood's biggest stars. This deep dive explores the most compelling and current facts about the man behind the wrench.

Ant Anstead: Complete Biography and Profile

Anthony Richard Anstead is a multi-talented English television presenter, motor specialist, car builder, designer, and artist. His career trajectory is one of the most unique in television, beginning in law enforcement before a dramatic shift into the automotive and entertainment industries.

• Full Name: Anthony Richard Anstead
• Date of Birth: 28 March 1979
• Place of Birth: Plymouth, Devon, England
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Television Presenter, Car Builder, Motor Specialist, Designer, Artist
• Early Career: Police Constable (Hertfordshire Constabulary, 1999–2005)
• Notable TV Shows: For the Love of Cars, Wheeler Dealers, Celebrity IOU Joyride, Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic
• First Marriage: Louise Herbert (2005–2017)
• Second Marriage: Christina Hall (née Haack) (2018–2021)
• Current Partner: Renée Zellweger (since 2021)
• Children: Amelie Anstead, Archie Anstead (with Louise Herbert), Hudson London Anstead (with Christina Hall)

1. The Shocking Career Shift from Police Officer to Car Guru

One of the most surprising aspects of Ant Anstead’s professional life is his dramatic career change. Before becoming a beloved TV personality known for restoring classic rides, Anstead spent years in law enforcement.

He served as a Police Constable in the Hertfordshire Constabulary, starting at the age of 18. His service included working in the Welwyn Hatfield area and later joining the armed response unit. This intense, high-stakes background is worlds away from the glamorous world of Hollywood and television.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

He ultimately decided to leave the force to pursue his passion for building and restoring cars, a move that paid off handsomely and led to his breakthrough role on the British show *For the Love of Cars* and later, the globally successful *Wheeler Dealers*.

2. His 'Cherished' and Private Relationship with Renée Zellweger

Anstead’s relationship with Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger remains a major point of public fascination. The couple met in April 2021 on the set of Anstead’s Discovery+ show, *Celebrity IOU Joyride*, where Zellweger was a guest who wanted to restore a classic car for two brothers who had supported a sick friend.

Despite their high-profile status, they have kept their romance relatively private, though Anstead occasionally shares rare, supportive posts, recently praising his girlfriend as "iconic."

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The relationship is described as "cherished," and they have navigated reports about living apart, confirming their commitment to each other. The latest update suggests a significant move: Anstead is reportedly planning to travel to the U.K. with Zellweger later this year (in the 2025 context) while she is filming the fourth installment of the *Bridget Jones’s Diary* series.

3. The Return of His Solo Series: *Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic*

Fans of Anstead's craftsmanship and genuine enthusiasm have reason to celebrate, as he is returning to Discovery+ with a second series of *Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic*.

The show follows Anstead as he restores and sells classic cars, a format that highlights his deep expertise as a motor specialist. The second series, produced by ITN Productions, will also continue to document a massive personal project: the ongoing renovation of a dilapidated 500-year-old farmhouse he purchased.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

This project showcases his skills beyond just cars, delving into historic property restoration and design, further cementing his status as a versatile designer and artist.

4. The High-Profile Divorce and Co-Parenting with Christina Hall

Anstead’s marriage and subsequent divorce from reality TV star Christina Hall (formerly Haack) was a major media event. The couple separated in September 2020, and their divorce was finalized in June 2021.

The separation, which Anstead admitted nearly ended his career due to the emotional toll, has since settled into a co-parenting arrangement for their son, Hudson London Anstead. Despite the initial difficulties, Anstead has focused on moving forward and maintaining a healthy environment for his children, including his two older children, Amelie and Archie, from his first marriage to Louise Herbert.

5. His Role in the Creation of a Modern Lotus Sports Car

Anstead is not just a restorer of old cars; he is also involved in cutting-edge automotive design. He was credited for his involvement in the development of the new Lotus Type 62-2 coach-built sports car.

This project highlights his transition from a traditional car builder to a respected figure in modern, high-performance vehicle design. His expertise is sought after in the industry, proving his technical knowledge extends far beyond the workshop of a television set.

6. Speculation About His Potential Involvement in *The Flip Off*

The world of reality TV is always buzzing with crossover potential, and Anstead's name has been linked to a highly anticipated new show: *The Flip Off*.

Given his history with ex-wife Christina Hall and her current husband, Josh Hall, the potential for Anstead to join a show focused on house flipping or renovation competition has generated significant buzz. While not confirmed, the possibility of this "messy" setup would make *The Flip Off* one of the most anticipated shows of 2025, blending his personal history with his professional expertise in design and construction.

7. The Secret Behind His Success: A Focus on Craftsmanship and Authenticity

Anstead’s enduring appeal lies in his authentic passion for craftsmanship. Unlike many TV personalities, his background as a motor specialist and designer is legitimate. He started his own successful car building and restoration business before television came calling.

His shows, from *Wheeler Dealers* to *Born Mechanic*, consistently emphasize the technical details, the history of the vehicles, and the artistry of the build. This dedication to quality and authenticity, coupled with his charming on-screen presence, has allowed him to build a loyal global following and maintain topical authority in the highly competitive automotive entertainment space.

As Ant Anstead continues to evolve his career—from restoring classic cars to supporting his partner's Hollywood career and renovating a historic home—he remains one of the most dynamic and fascinating figures on television today.