Zendaya Reveals Intimate Details of London Life with Fiancé Tom Holland
In a candid new interview with the Daily Mirror published on Saturday, California-born actress Zendaya offered rare insights into her life in London with her fiancé, British actor Tom Holland. The Emmy-winning star, both aged 29, spoke openly about balancing their high-profile romance with demanding professional careers while fiercely guarding their personal privacy.
A Calming Presence on Set and Beyond
Zendaya described Holland as her "favorite person to work with," acknowledging that some might find their on-set dynamic awkward. "On set, he has this huge calming presence that not only puts me at ease but also everybody he works with," she revealed. The actress admitted her bias, stating, "I might be a little biased but he is not only my favorite person, he is my favorite person to work with."
The Delicate Balance of Privacy and Public Life
The couple faces the constant challenge of maintaining normality amidst intense public scrutiny. "Neither of us want to hide and not live our lives and do normal things, like go out for dinner, but at the same time, we want to protect our privacy," Zendaya explained. She added a pragmatic note: "You have to accept that to a degree, some aspects of your privacy are going to be out of your control. But the parts that are in our control, we fiercely protect."
Embracing British Culture with One Exception
When not working, the pair split their time between Holland's home in Richmond, West London, and Zendaya's California residence. The actress, who moved to southern California as a teenager after being born in Oakland, expressed her affection for English life. "I think because so much of our work is in LA, [the UK] can't be a permanent home right now, but it does feel like a home to me," she shared.
Zendaya noted her growing comfort with British culture: "When I go to the UK, I don't feel like a visitor anymore. I understand British slang, I get the culture, and I know a 'nice cup of tea' makes everything right." However, she humorously confessed one culinary puzzlement: "But I will never understand the fascination with Jaffa Cakes. They just don't make sense to me." She did praise British Indian food, recalling a recent curry meal with Holland's family as exceptional.
Reflections on Early Fame and Family Support
Zendaya attributed her privacy-conscious approach to her early start in entertainment as a child star on Disney Channel's Shake It Up. "I have a really complicated relationship when it comes to starting in the industry so young," she reflected. "On one hand, I am grateful for the opportunities and experience; then, on the other, there is no doubt I missed out on a lot of regular teenage stuff."
She credited her parents for their protective guidance during her rise to fame: "My parents were and are super protective of me. I wouldn't have been able to navigate being in the industry at such a young age without them."
From Co-stars to Life Partners
Zendaya and Holland first met while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, sparking romance rumors the following year before confirming their relationship in July 2021. They continue to collaborate professionally, both starring in Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic The Odyssey, set for release on July 17, and the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie premiering on July 31.
Upcoming Projects and a Fictional Wedding
Beyond these films, Zendaya is preparing for the third and final season of Euphoria and a fictional wedding in her first 2025 project, The Drama. In this A24 romantic thriller, premiering on April 3, she stars alongside British actor Robert Pattinson as a couple whose relationship unravels before their wedding.
Through her interview, Zendaya paints a picture of a couple navigating fame, love, and cultural adaptation with deliberate care, finding home both in London and in their shared professional and personal journey.
