Renee Zellweger, 52, fell “head over heels” for British TV hunk Ant Anstead, 42

As Bridget Jones, she had to choose between the “bad boy” Daniel Cleaver and the healthier and reliable Mark Darcy, who ultimately won her heart.

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

After the 52-year-old actress was spotted kissing Devon-born Ant Anstead on a shopping spree in Los Angeles last week, a friend said, “Renée is head over heels in love. “That’s the real deal. She’s never been happier. They make a wonderful couple.”

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

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

After his marriage broke up, he got involved with stunning American reality TV 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 that she smoked psychedelic toad venom to help her cope with the stress of divorce from Anstead, with whom she has a one-year-old son.

The couple broke up after less than two years together, although their divorce was not finalized until this month.

Ms Zellweger and Mr Anstead, 42, reportedly started dating last month, after the actress appeared on her American TV show Celebrity IOU Joyride. But they only made their relationship public after her divorce was approved.

Last week, they were spotted walking together in Laguna Beach, Calif., And showing a public display of affection when they went to buy firewood at a hardware store.

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

Zellweger was unlucky in love. A brief marriage to country singer Kenny Chesney in 2005 was called off after 225 days, and she was linked to 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, who she dated for five years until they split in 2019.

Texas-born Ms. Zellweger won two Oscars, including Best Actress last year for her portrayal of Judy Garland.