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Ant Anstead
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Anthony Richard Anstead (born 28 March 1979)[1][2] is an English television presenter, motor specialist, car builder, designer, and artist,[3] best known for co-presenting the Channel 4 automotive show For the Love of Cars with Philip Glenister. From 2017-2021, Anstead replaced Edd China as co-host of the show Wheeler Dealers, (S.14 -16) alongside Mike Brewer, during the filming and production at their US base.[4]
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Anstead was born in Plymouth, Devon, England.[5] He lived in Ely, Cambridgeshire, until he was 10, then moved with his family to Hertfordshire. He was educated at Richard Hale School, Hertford, then attended the nearby Haileybury School to complete his A-levels. At sixteen Anstead built his first kit car and sold it immediately for a profit. He then bought an MG and so began his infatuation with cars.[6]
Early career
[edit]Anstead joined Hertfordshire Constabulary in 1999 and became a Police Constable first stationed at Bishop's Stortford. He moved to Cheshunt police station and then became a member of the Tactical Firearms Team (TFU) in Welwyn Garden City.[7] During his early police career, Anstead guarded John Duffy the convicted Railway Murderer for three days in a police safe house.[6] He went on to receive two commendations for acts of bravery.[8]
In 2005 Anstead resigned from the Police to pursue a career as a car builder. He started building and restoring cars for clients and built recreation cars and one-offs.
Anstead played semi-professional football for over 15 years playing over 700 matches at Ryman level,[9] and made the transition from goalkeeper to striker.[10]
Television career
[edit]Anstead started his own television production company in 2014,[11] producing his own show The World’s Most Expensive Cars.
In 2014, he was approached to host a new Channel 4 car show with British actor Philip Glenister. Since then Anstead has hosted a number of television shows, and in 2015 he hosted BBC Two's live show Building Cars Live, alongside James May and Kate Humble.
Anstead hosts the live stages of some of the UK's car shows as well as after-dinner speaking and motivational speaking in schools and for charities.
In his 2019 TV show Ant Anstead Master Mechanic, Anstead uses a variety of components, from spare parts to donor cars to hand-build an homage to the Alfa Romeo 158. The show sees Anstead work with a variety of automotive personalities and experts in the field.[12]
In addition to Master Mechanic, Anstead is also part of the new World's Greatest Cars series. The show sees a panel of motoring experts cover the five greatest sports cars ever made. The cars are evaluated on their iconic designs and game-changing performance.
Wheeler Dealers
[edit]In 2017, Anstead was offered a five-year contract to move with his family to the United States for Wheeler Dealers USA and to replace co-host and close friend Edd China, who had decided to return to the UK.[6][4]
Three years later, production was transferred back to the UK without Anstead, as he has a young son, Hudson[13] who is settled in the US with his second ex-wife Christina Haack with whom he shares custody.[14]
Personal life
[edit]Anstead has a daughter, Amelie, and son, Archie, with his first wife Louise. They divorced in 2017.
He started dating American television personality Christina Haack in October 2017. On 22 December 2018, they married at their Newport Beach, California home.[15] Their son Hudson was born in September 2019.[16] The couple separated in September 2020 and divorced the following year.[17]
In April 2021, Anstead began a relationship with American actress Renée Zellweger.[6][18][14]
Anstead is patron of Harrison's Fund, a charity that supports research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.[19]
Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | For the Love of Cars | Presenter | Channel 4 |
| 2015 | Building Cars Live | BBC Two | |
| 2016 | World's Most Expensive Cars | Channel 4 | |
| 2016 | The One Show | BBC One | |
| 2016 | Chinese New Year: The Biggest Celebration on Earth | BBC Two | |
| 2016 | New York: America's Busiest City | BBC Two | |
| 2016 | Craft: I Made This | Channel 4 | |
| 2016 | The Lost Lotus: Restoring a Race Car | Channel 4 | |
| 2017–2020 | Wheeler Dealers | Motor Trend | |
| 2017 | Britain's Greatest Invention | BBC Two | |
| 2017 | Craft It Yourself | Channel 4 | |
| 2017 | Sunday Brunch – Live | Channel 4 | |
| 2018 | Barrett-Jackson Live Auto Auction | Discovery Channel | |
| 2019 | Ant Anstead Master Mechanic | Motor Trend | |
| 2019 | Christina on the Coast | HGTV | |
| 2020 | World's Greatest Cars | Sky | |
| 2021–present | Celebrity IOU: Joyride | Discovery+ | |
| 2024 | Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic | Quest |
Bibliography
[edit]- Cops and Robbers: The Story of the British Police Car, HarperCollins UK, 2018, ISBN 9780008245061[20]
- Petrol Head Parenting: The Essential Guide to Diagnosing and Nurturing a Petrol Head, Great Flood Publishing, 2018, ISBN 9780692195543[21]
References
[edit]- ^ "Anthony Richard ANSTEAD". Companies House. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ "Index entry". FreeBMD. ONS. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- ^ "Press Release". Retrieved 23 March 2017.
- ^ a b "Wheelers Dealer". Discover Channel. Archived from the original on 26 March 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
- ^ Schmidt, Mackenzie (3 January 2018). "Christina El Moussa Is Dating Ant Anstead — But Who is Her New British Beau?". People. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
- ^ a b c d The Ant Anstead interview PART 2 - crashing on Top Gear, dating Renee Zellweger & cop cars, retrieved 6 December 2023
- ^ "Home". ant-anstead.co.uk.
- ^ Wilson, David (2 December 2016). "Ant Anstead tells us what got him to where he is today". Influx. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^ "Ant Anstead Profile | Aylesbury United FC". Aylesbury United FC. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
- ^ "The Non-League Football Paper". Greenways Publishing. October 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
- ^ "Ant Anstead Limited". checkltd.co.uk. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
- ^ "MotorTrend Announces the All-New Series Ant Anstead Master Mechanic". Discovery, Inc. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- ^ "Ant and Christina Anstead Celebrate Son Hudson's 1st Birthday: 'You Are Our Miracle Baby'". Peoplemag. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ a b The Ant Anstead interview PART 1 - the private life and project cars of a Wheeler Dealer, retrieved 6 December 2023
- ^ "Christina El Moussa Is Married! Inside Her Secret 'Winter Wonderland' Wedding to Ant Anstead". People. 22 December 2018.
- ^ "Judge Denies Ant Anstead's Emergency Order for Full Custody of Son Hudson with Ex Christina Hall".
- ^ "Christina Anstead and Husband Ant Split After Less Than 2 Years of Marriage: 'Our Children Will Remain Our Priority'". PEOPLE.com. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ "Ant Anstead and Renee Zellweger Attend 1st Public Event Together — and Tarek El Moussa Was There". 13 August 2021.
- ^ "About Harrisons Fund – Our Patron". Harrisons Fund. 2 January 2018.
- ^ "Cops and Robbers by Ant Anstead – Hardcover". Harper Collins. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
- ^ "Petrol Head Parenting by Ant Anstead & Noah Elias– Hardcover". Great Flood Parenting. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
External links
[edit]Ant Anstead
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Anthony Richard Anstead was born on 28 March 1979 in Plymouth, Devon, England. Born in Plymouth, Anstead moved with his family to Ely, Cambridgeshire, shortly after birth, living there until age 10 before relocating to Hertfordshire, where much of his formative years were spent and he was raised in a close-knit household.[5][6] Anstead is the son of Nigel Anstead and Sue Anstead, who have been married for over 50 years (as of 2025). The family resided in Bedford later in life, but Anstead's upbringing was centered in Hertfordshire.[7][8] He grew up with three brothers and a sister, contributing to a tight family bond that emphasized shared experiences and support. This sibling dynamic provided a foundation for his early life in the rural surroundings of Hertfordshire.[9][10] Anstead's childhood home environment in Hertfordshire exposed him to mechanical activities through family interactions, sparking his lifelong interest in cars and restoration from an early age. He has recounted fond memories of hands-on projects with his father, which influenced his passion for automotive work.[11][12]Early interests and education
Anstead attended Richard Hale School, a comprehensive boys' secondary school in Hertford, Hertfordshire. He later completed his A-levels at the nearby independent Haileybury School. Anstead did not pursue higher education following his secondary schooling.[13][3] From a young age, Anstead developed a strong passion for semi-professional football, playing as a goalkeeper before transitioning to striker. He competed for over 15 years, amassing more than 700 matches at Ryman League level. This athletic pursuit balanced with his emerging interests in other fields.[14] Anstead's early fascination with cars began in childhood, where he immersed himself in mechanical activities such as building models and tinkering with anything hands-on. By the age of 16, Anstead had built and sold his own kit car, honing his self-taught mechanical skills. Self-taught in mechanics without formal training, he learned through trial and error, fixing mistakes along the way, which laid the foundation for his later automotive expertise. Growing up in a mechanically inclined family environment further nurtured this interest.[15][16][3] In addition to sports and mechanics, Anstead engaged in art and drawing during his youth, pursuits that evolved into professional design work. He created bespoke artworks, including one-off car-themed pieces. These creative endeavors highlighted his multifaceted talents from an early stage.[14]Early career
Police service
Anstead joined the Hertfordshire Constabulary in 1999 as a police constable, initially stationed at Bishop's Stortford, following a period of pursuing semi-professional football.[2] He later transferred to the Cheshunt police station, where he served as a beat officer before advancing to specialized roles.[14] During his training, Anstead specialized in firearms and close protection techniques, leading to his appointment in 2003 as one of the youngest tactical firearms officers in UK history.[2] As a member of the armed response unit, he provided protection during notable operations, including guarding the convicted serial killer John Duffy in a safe house for three days.[17] For his service, he received two commendations for bravery.[14] Anstead's police tenure honed his driving expertise through advanced vehicle handling and mechanical knowledge from routine maintenance of police cars, skills enhanced by his longstanding interest in automobiles.[18] After six years on the force, Anstead resigned in 2005, driven by a desire to channel his creative energies into automotive pursuits.[14] His experiences profoundly influenced his later work, as detailed in his 2018 book Cops and Robbers: The Story of the British Police Car, which chronicles the evolution of law enforcement vehicles.[19]Automotive restoration and building
After resigning from the police force in 2005, Anstead renovated a cow shed into a workshop and began a solo business restoring classic and custom cars.[2] He pursued a full-time career in automotive restoration, establishing Evanta Motor Company Limited in Hertfordshire in 2008 as a specialist in bespoke classic car builds and recreations.[14][20] The company focused on creating high-fidelity replicas and custom vehicles for discerning clients, drawing on Anstead's hands-on expertise to produce one-off models that blended historical authenticity with modern engineering. His workshop became known for meticulous restorations that preserved the original aesthetics and performance characteristics of vintage automobiles while incorporating contemporary materials for durability. Anstead oversaw the construction of several notable projects through Evanta, including replicas of iconic racing cars such as the Aston Martin DBR1 Le Mans evocation.[21][22] These builds often utilized spaceframe chassis, Kevlar-reinforced bodywork, and powerful V8 engines to recreate the driving experience of rare originals, appealing to collectors seeking accessible alternatives to multimillion-pound classics. By emphasizing precision fabrication and period-correct detailing, Anstead's work earned recognition among car enthusiasts for bridging restoration with innovative coachbuilding. The business expanded through strategic collaborations with fellow automotive designers and affluent clients, including a high-profile partnership with Afzal Kahn of A Kahn Design in 2014 to launch the Ant-Kahn marque, which produced limited-edition revivals of British icons like the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato.[23] Anstead's self-taught proficiency in welding, metal fabrication, and vehicle design—honed through years of practical experimentation—underpinned this growth, allowing him to prioritize historical accuracy in every project, from chassis engineering to interior trimming. His prior experience as a police driver, involving advanced vehicle handling, further sharpened his technical acumen in performance tuning and safety modifications.[15] Increased local media coverage of Evanta's bespoke creations in the early 2010s attracted broader attention, culminating in Anstead's selection for television opportunities around 2014, when producers approached him based on his established reputation as a master restorer.[24] This exposure transformed his workshop from a niche operation into a platform for showcasing restoration techniques to a global audience, while maintaining a waiting list for commissions that extended over two years internationally.[14]Television career
Wheeler Dealers
In 2017, Ant Anstead joined the Discovery Channel series Wheeler Dealers as the lead mechanic, replacing Edd China and partnering with host Mike Brewer.[25] His prior experience in automotive restoration positioned him to take on the role, where he handled the technical aspects of vehicle overhauls.[18] Anstead's contributions to the show's format emphasized hands-on restorations of classic cars, strict budget management during repairs, and strategic sales to achieve profit. Episodes typically featured a mix of European models, such as BMWs and Volvos, alongside American icons like Chevrolet Corvettes, showcasing detailed mechanical work to revive neglected vehicles.[26] Under his tenure from seasons 14 through 16, the series maintained its revival momentum, with production shifting primarily to studios in California, United States, after earlier UK-based filming.[27][28] Anstead departed the series in 2021, citing family commitments in the United States and emerging professional opportunities as key factors, coinciding with the production's relocation back to the UK.[29] His exit influenced the show's evolution, paving the way for a new co-host and a refreshed emphasis on broader automotive narratives. Anstead received acclaim for his engineering insights, which added depth to the restorations and helped expand the series' reach to a global audience through platforms like MotorTrend.[30]Other television shows
Anstead debuted on television with the BBC Two series For the Love of Cars from 2014 to 2015, where he co-hosted alongside actor Philip Glenister, focusing on the restoration of celebrity-owned classic cars sourced from barns and lock-ups across Britain.[31][14] In 2015, he presented Building Cars Live on BBC Two, a live broadcast event that explored the inner workings of car manufacturing at one of Britain's largest factories, alongside James May and Kate Humble.[32][33] Anstead also appeared in the 2016 BBC Two miniseries New York: America's Busiest City, contributing to episodes examining the infrastructure and daily operations of the city, including its transportation systems, in collaboration with presenters Ade Adepitan, Anita Rani, and Dan Snow.[34][35] Additionally, he made guest spots on various car review programs, showcasing his expertise in automotive design and restoration.[14] Following his relocation to the United States in 2017 for Wheeler Dealers, which opened doors to international opportunities, Anstead hosted Ant Anstead: Master Mechanic on Discovery Channel from 2019 to 2020, documenting his hands-on build of a Formula 1-inspired homage to the 1930s Alfa Romeo 158 using donor parts and custom fabrication.[36][29] In 2021, he co-hosted the TV special Drew's Dream Car on Discovery+ with Drew Scott, where they designed and built a custom electric sports car inspired by 1950s and 1960s models.[37] That same year, he took on hosting duties for Discovery+'s Celebrity IOU: Joyride, partnering with automotive expert Cristy Lee to customize and restore vehicles as surprise gifts for deserving individuals, often involving celebrity participants; the series ran for multiple seasons through 2023.[38][39] In 2023, Anstead hosted the five-part docuseries Radford Reborn on Speedvision, following the revival of the British sports car brand Radford and the build of a modern supercar.[40] Starting in 2024, he presented Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic on Quest and Discovery+, a series where he restores and sells classic cars from a barn workshop to fund a renovation project; as of 2025, it has aired two seasons.[41] This ongoing body of U.S.- and UK-based productions continues to incorporate elements of personal storytelling and broader design themes alongside his mechanical focus, reflecting his sustained presence in international media.Later career and ventures
Post-television projects
Following his departure from Wheeler Dealers in late 2020, Anstead relocated permanently to California, a move initially prompted by the show's production in 2017 but solidified by 2019 to pursue US-centric automotive endeavors. This shift enabled him to executive produce select MotorTrend specials, leveraging his expertise in vehicle restoration for behind-the-scenes contributions to content like custom builds and technical segments.[29] From 2022 to 2023, Anstead played a pivotal role in the revival of Radford Motors, co-founding the company with Formula One champion Jenson Button and entrepreneur Roger Behle to resurrect the historic British coachbuilder. He contributed as a design consultant and appeared in the five-part documentary series Radford Reborn, which chronicled the brand's relaunch and debut of the Type 62-2 supercar at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed. During the event, Anstead consulted on prototypes for electric classic conversions, advising on integrating modern EV powertrains into heritage vehicles while preserving their original aesthetics and performance dynamics.[42][43] However, in October 2024, Radford Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid financial difficulties and lawsuits against Anstead alleging fraud, breach of contract, and mishandling of client deposits for custom vehicles. The company converted to Chapter 7 bankruptcy in May 2025.[44][45] In 2024, Anstead expanded his outreach through his personal website.[14] By 2025, Anstead's activities centered on selective consulting and short-form content creation for automotive brands, including sponsored videos and social media reels demonstrating restoration tips and EV integration strategies. He returned to television with the second season of Born Mechanic on Discovery+, where he restores classic cars from a barn workshop to fund renovations of a historic farmhouse.[46]Art, design, and other pursuits
Anstead's artistic endeavors encompass painting, drawing, and sculpture, frequently drawing inspiration from automotive themes, with many of his works held in private collections around the world.[47] He has also created several sculptures as part of his exploration into the art world.[48] These pursuits stem from a lifelong passion for cars that began in his youth, evolving into professional creative output alongside his mechanical expertise.[49] In design, Anstead has focused on bespoke vehicle aesthetics, notably through his co-founding role in Radford Motors, where he contributed to custom coachbuilding and luxury car interiors aimed at high-end clientele.[50] His design philosophy emphasizes one-off creations that blend functionality with artistic expression, building on his experience in crafting unique vehicles for international collectors.[14] Beyond art and design, Anstead engages in public speaking at automotive events, sharing insights on mechanics and restoration, as seen in his appearances at the NEC Classic Car & Restoration Show.[51] He has also supported philanthropy by participating in charity car auctions, raising over £45,000 for causes including children's hospitals and rare disease organizations.[52] As of 2025, his diversified ventures in television, design, and art contribute to an estimated net worth of $5 million.[13]Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Anstead married his first wife, Louise Herbert, in 2005 after the pair had been together since the 1990s.[53][54] The couple's divorce was finalized in 2017 following 12 years of marriage, and it was described as amicable.[55][53] In late 2017, Anstead began dating American television personality Christina Haack, known for her role on HGTV's Flip or Flop, and their relationship became public the following January.[56] The pair wed in a surprise ceremony at their Newport Beach home in December 2018.[57] They separated in September 2020, with Haack filing for divorce later that month, and the marriage was officially dissolved in June 2021 amid ongoing custody disputes that drew significant media attention.[58][59] The high-profile nature of the split, involving public statements and legal proceedings, subjected Anstead to intense scrutiny from tabloids and entertainment outlets.[60] Anstead started dating actress Renée Zellweger in April 2021 after meeting on the set of his Discovery+ series Celebrity IOU: Joyride.[61] The couple kept their romance private initially but confirmed it publicly in June 2021, with subsequent reports highlighting their low-key approach to the relationship.[62] By 2023, they had moved in together, and as of September 2025, Anstead described Zellweger as "the greatest human I've ever met," affirming their ongoing commitment despite occasional rumors of separation that were denied by his representatives.[63][64] The pair primarily reside in Laguna Beach, California, where they have blended their lives while prioritizing privacy away from public eyes.[65][66]Children
Ant Anstead has three biological children from two marriages, and during his second marriage, he was stepfather to Haack's two children from her previous marriage. With his first wife, Louise Herbert (now Storey), whom he married in 2005 after dating for several years, he shares daughter Amelie Rose Anstead, born on September 28, 2003, and son Archie William Anstead, born on August 28, 2006.[67][68][69][70] Following their 2017 divorce after 12 years of marriage, Anstead and Storey maintain joint custody of Amelie and Archie, with Anstead emphasizing positive co-parenting.[55][71] From his second marriage to Christina Haack, which lasted from 2018 to 2021, Anstead has a son, Hudson London Anstead, born on September 6, 2019.[72][71] The couple initially agreed to joint legal and physical custody upon finalizing their divorce in June 2021, but Anstead sought full custody in April 2022, citing concerns over Hudson's media exposure; the dispute was resolved in November 2022 with a settlement maintaining shared custody and no trial.[73][58] Anstead's parenting philosophy centers on fostering adventure and hands-on education, particularly through automotive activities, as outlined in his 2018 book Petrol Head Parenting: The Essential Guide to Diagnosing and Nurturing a Petrol Head, co-authored with Noah Elias, which celebrates children passionate about cars and mechanics.[74][2] In his current relationship with Renée Zellweger, which began in 2021, Anstead has integrated a blended family dynamic, with Zellweger forming close bonds with his children, often joining family outings while respecting their privacy by limiting media appearances.[75][76] Anstead has advocated for minimal public exposure of his children, particularly requesting in 2022 that Hudson not feature in paid media campaigns during custody proceedings.[77] As of 2025, Anstead's three children are thriving; Amelie and Archie, now young adults, accompany him to events like the January London premiere of Zellweger's Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, while Hudson, aged six, benefits from effective co-parenting with Haack, as evidenced by their joint school conferences and Anstead's public praise for her involvement in October.[78][79][80] Anstead, residing primarily in the United States, continues to prioritize collaborative parenting across his family structures.[71]Works
Television filmography
- For the Love of Cars (2014–2015, Channel 4): Co-host and presenter with Philip Glenister, 15 episodes across two series.[31]
- Building Cars Live (2015, BBC Two): Co-presenter with James May and Kate Humble, 1 live special.[32]
- New York: America's Busiest City (2016, BBC Two): Presenter, 3 episodes.[34]
- Wheeler Dealers (2017–2020, Discovery): Co-host and mechanic with Mike Brewer, 38 episodes across seasons 14–16.[81]
- Ant Anstead Master Mechanic (2019–2020, MotorTrend): Host, 14 episodes.
- Celebrity IOU: Joyride (2021, HGTV): Host with Cristy Lee, 6 episodes.[38]
- Radford: Goodwood Festival of Speed (2022, short documentary): Featured presenter.[82]
- Art on Wheels (2023, MotorTrend): Featured in 1 episode.[83]
- Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic (2024–2025, Quest): Host, 16 episodes across two seasons as of November 2025.[41]
