Renee Zellweger, 52, has fallen ‘head over heels’ for 42-year-old British TV hunk Ant Anstead

As Bridget Jones, she had to choose between ‘bad boy’ Daniel Cleaver and the more wholesome, dependable Mark Darcy, who eventually won her heart.

But in real life, Renee Zellweger has fallen ‘head over heels’ for a British TV presenter who seems closer to the roguish cad of the film series – at least based on his public reputation.

After the 52-year-old actress was spotted kissing Devon-born Ant Anstead during a shopping trip in Los Angeles last week, one friend said: ‘Renee is head-over-heels in love. She thinks this is the real deal. She’s never been happier. They’re a great couple.’

Mr Anstead, who has presented a series of motoring shows on both sides of the Atlantic, including Channel 4’s For The Love Of Cars, is a staple of the American tabloids thanks to his turbulent love life.

Renee Zellweger has fallen ‘head over heels’ for a British TV presenter who seems closer to the roguish cad of the film series – at least based on his public reputation

When his 12-year marriage to fellow Brit Louise Anstead, mother of his two eldest children, ended in 2017, he was forced to deny rumours he had cheated.

After his marriage broke up, he became involved with stunning US reality show host Christina Haack, 38, who was herself embroiled in a messy divorce from her TV co-star Tarek El Moussa, with whom she has two children. 

Last week, Ms Haack told People magazine she smoked psychedelic toad venom to help her deal with the stress of the divorce from Anstead, with whom she has a one-year-old son. 

The pair split after less than two years together, although their divorce was only finalised this month.

Ms Zellweger, and 42-year-old Mr Anstead are believed to have begun dating last month, after the actress appeared on his US TV show Celebrity IOU Joyride. But they only made their relationship public once his divorce had been rubber-stamped.

When his 12-year marriage to fellow Brit Louise Anstead, left, mother of his two eldest children, ended in 2017, he was forced to deny rumours he had cheated. After his marriage broke up, he became involved with stunning US reality show host Christina Haack (right)

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Last week, they were spotted walking together in Laguna Beach, California, and putting on a public display of affection when they went to buy firewood at a hardware store.

A source said: ‘Ant is very charming and handsome, a real ladykiller. He’s got that bad-boy vibe going on but he’s a really nice guy underneath. Renee seems very happy. Everyone is hoping things will finally work out for her.’

Zellweger has not been lucky in love. A brief marriage to country singer Kenny Chesney in 2005 was annulled after 225 days and she has been linked with actors Jim Carrey, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper, as well as rock star Jack White. Her last long-term relationship was with rock guitarist Doyle Bramhall, whom she dated for five years until they split in 2019.

Texas-born Ms Zellweger has won two Oscars, including last year’s best actress award for her portrayal of Judy Garland.