Ant Anstead and Christina Haack in July 2019.Photo:Michael Kovac/Getty
Michael Kovac/Getty
Ant Ansteadis reflecting on how far his relationship with his ex-wife,Christina Haack, has come, more than four years after they split.
After expressing how he’s grateful he and Christina are on better terms now, Anstead says he’s disappointed about how many “really difficult” years it took them to get there.
“Hudson is five now,” he begins, referring to the son he and Christina welcomed together in 2019. “As parents, it took us four and a half years to get to that point, which is really shameful.”
He adds, “The relationship that we have now is really, really important. And it’s been a transformation.”
Ant Anstead on ‘The Flip Off’.hgtv
hgtv
“Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority,” Christina captioned the post, which included a photo of the exes walking on the beach together. “We appreciate your support and ask for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future.”
Anstead later told PEOPLE exclusively that he was in“a very dark place”in the months after their split.
Christina Haack and Ant Anstead in May 2019.Noel Vasquez/Getty
Noel Vasquez/Getty
The former couplefinalized their divorcein June 2021, which was around the same time Ansteadstarted dating his current partner, Oscar-winning actressRenée Zellweger. The two had hit it off while working together on the set of his discovery+ seriesCelebrity IOU: Joyrideearlier that year.
Meanwhile, Christina also moved on with her now-estranged third husband Josh Hall. The pairgot engagedin September 2021 and secretly tied the knot in October 2021.
Christina Hall/Instagram; Ant Anstead/Instagram
Anstead and Christina’s breakup only became more bitter after their divorce was finalized.
Despite both parents being granted joint legal and physical custody of Hudson, Anstead laterfiled for full custodyin April 2022, sparking the beginning of a tense legal battle between the exes.
In response to the filing,Christina told PEOPLEat the time: “What Ant is doing deeply saddens me. If this was really about Hudson, as he says, this should have been handled privately with a private judge or mediation, as myself and my attorney have suggested. I have had my share of ups and downs but I am a good mom and I love my children with all my heart and I will always protect them.”
Christina Haack and her son Hudson.Christina Hall/Instagram
As a result, Christina announced that she wouldno longer be sharing photos of Hudsonon Instagram.
“Hudson’s father has made attempts to turn my family, friends and fans against me through manipulation tactics and false information. This has had a great impact on me and my household,” she captioned an October 2022 Instagram post.
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The custody arrangement wasfinally settled in November 2022,but the exes remained distant as they navigated peacefully co-parenting.
A year and a half later, their relationship changed significantly and quite suddenly.
Christina Haack and her ex Josh Hall.Christina Hall/Instagram
Christina Hall/Instagram
Christinadetailed the emotional momentduring episode 4 ofThe Flip Off, recalling how Anstead gave her “a huge hug” and told her that he was “so sorry for everything” she was going through with her breakup.
Fans got their first glimpse of the exes interacting when they werespotted filmingThe Flip Offtogetherin November 2024. A source told PEOPLE at the time: “Ant is going to appear on the show, but he won’t be Christina’s partner.”
Christina Haack and Ant Anstead on ‘The Flip Off’.Warner Bros. (2)
Warner Bros. (2)
Anstead’s unexpected appearance on the show came after Christinajoked about him possibly replacing Joshon the series following their July 2024 split.
Around the same timeThe Flip Offwas being filmed, Christina entered into a new relationship and began datingbusinessman Christopher Larocca. PEOPLEconfirmed their romance in December 2024and the pair wentInstagram official in February.
source: people.com