In an exclusive and revealing interview, double Emmy-winning actress Zendaya has opened up about her transatlantic life with fiancé Tom Holland, her surprising take on a classic British snack, and the unique dynamic of working alongside her partner. The 29-year-old star, currently riding a wave of career success, provides intimate insights into balancing fame with privacy, her evolving relationship with the UK, and her thoughtful approach to roles in the film industry.
A Transatlantic Home Between London and LA
Zendaya and Tom Holland, affectionately dubbed 'Tomdaya' by their legion of fans, have crafted a life that bridges two continents. When in the UK, the couple reside at Holland's expansive Victorian-era property in Richmond, West London. For Zendaya, who grew up in Oakland and Los Angeles, this British base has transformed from a mere filming location into a genuine home.
"When I go to the UK, I don't feel like a visitor any more," she explains. "I understand British slang, I get the culture, and I know a 'nice cup of tea' makes everything right. It really feels like coming home, and I love the people." However, she concedes that the demands of their Hollywood careers mean a permanent move across the Atlantic isn't currently feasible. "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."
The Great Jaffa Cake Debate & Culinary Praise
While she has embraced many aspects of British life, one iconic treat continues to baffle the American star. "I will never understand the fascination with Jaffa Cakes," Zendaya admits with a laugh. "They just don't make sense to me!" This light-hearted confession highlights the charming cultural differences she navigates. In contrast, she is effusive in her praise for another British staple: Indian cuisine. Recalling a pre-Christmas outing, she says, "One thing you guys do really well is Indian food. We went to see a show just before Christmas and we had the best curry."
Tom Holland: The Ultimate Co-Star
Defying the old showbiz adage about never working with loved ones, Zendaya describes filming alongside her fiancé as an absolute pleasure. The pair have starred together in the Spider-Man film trilogy and are set to reunite on screen in the upcoming Christopher Nolan epic, The Odyssey, and the next Spider-Man instalment, Brand New Day.
"Honestly, I know people might think it's awkward, he is my favourite person to work with," she reveals. "On set he has this huge calming presence that not only puts me at ease but also everybody he works with. I might be a little biased but he is not only my favourite person, he is my favourite person to work with."
Navigating Fame, Privacy, and a Potential Wedding
The couple's high-profile status means their relationship is constantly in the spotlight, a reality they manage with careful intention. "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 states. "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."
With a monumental year ahead—featuring four major film releases and the final season of Euphoria—speculation about a wedding continues to swirl. While Zendaya doesn't confirm details, the interview hints that 2026 could be the year for both professional milestones and personal celebrations.
From Child Star to Empowered Actress
Zendaya also reflects thoughtfully on her career trajectory, which began as a teenager on the Disney Channel's Shake It Up. "I have a really complicated relationship when it comes to starting in the industry so young," she confesses. "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. 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."
Now, as a respected adult actor, she is acutely conscious of her portrayal on screen, particularly regarding the sexualisation of women. Her role in the 2024 film Challengers marked a decisive move away from her Disney image. "I don't think any women should ever accept being sexualised and I am careful with the roles I choose," she asserts. "As an industry we should be so grateful to all the brave women that spoke up during the MeToo movement. But that wasn't the end of the problem. We have to continue to speak out when there is wrongdoing."
With a slate of prestigious projects and a fulfilling personal life shared with Tom Holland, Zendaya stands as a compelling figure in modern Hollywood—successfully balancing blockbuster fame with grounded authenticity, all while developing a fond, if occasionally perplexed, relationship with British life.
