The Ant Anstead interview PART 1 - the private life and project cars of a Wheeler Dealer

The Ant Anstead interview PART 1 - the private life and project cars of a Wheeler Dealer. Welcome to an Idol Chat interview, where Jonny Smith takes his battered brown leather chairs to meet someone prominent in our automotive world.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
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If you search for him on the internet, these days Ant Anstead's name is more synonymous with high profile divorce or dating a Hollywood actress than departing Wheeler Dealers. But having known Ant for a good few years Jonny wanted to ensure this Idol Chat interview covered the many bases of his life, his car career and how he rises above the pressures and stresses of being in the public eye. Did you know his partner Renee Zellweger knows how to weld (and enjoys it)? Or that he loves musical theatre? Or that he crashed a Merc C63 AMG whilst auditioning for Top Gear? Neither did we.
Jonny also records a weekly podcast with Grand Tour script editor and car book author Richard Porter. Listen every Monday, but be warned it is silly rubbish. shows.acast.com/smithandsniff
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Filmed and edited by: Phil Vaughan Pritchard www.philvfilms.com/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00
0:10 Ford F150 Lightning
1:01 intro to Ant
1:38 Living in America
2:05 Feeling displaced
3:20 Defenders
4:21 Ant's weird driving posture
5:18 Land Rover project hunting
5:59 Building first car
7:21 First car bought
7:55 Police career
8:38 'Take or leave driving'
9:16 Welding = happy place
9:28 Becoming a TV star
15:12 For the Love of Cars
15:50 Football career
17:45 Jenson Button and Radford
19:52 Christina marriage/divorce
21:45 Coping with stress
22:50 'Resetting' mentally
24:10 Losing Wheeler Dealers
24:35 Hudson
24:58 Getting the Wheeler Dealer job
#antanstead #wheelerdealers #thelatebrakeshow #4k

[@garyhalkon8749]

Loved these episodes of Idol Chat, Beautifully presented and with such warmth! I wholeheartedly agree with Ant when he says that Edd paved the way for others to follow. Having been an avid viewer of WD since the very first episode, I believe everyone who has been on has brought their own unique style to the programme and developed their own setting. Life would be boring if we were all the same. I'm a big fan of Ant and Edd along with Mike and Elvis. 4 amazing people who have brought me through some tough mental health struggles, watching them is my happy place. Along with TLBS and Jonny And the team. I've even got a fleece which is identical to the BFF. Had it for 10 years or more. Always makes me smile when I wear it and I'm watching TLBS Keep up the amazing work Jonny!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you for the kind words Gary. It's warming to know you've enjoyed the shows that TLBS and Edd, Mike and Ant have made to entertain folks throughout tricky times.

[@rarerubber]

NICE AWES0ME KEEP_IT_UP! ✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉🎉🎎🎭🎎🎭🎎🎭🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑✨🎆🎆

[@stevenbennett3922]

Love this. It is a real journalistic skill to just sit there and listen to your guest whilst taking them along on their story.

[@getawayhs2856]

Its a real skill to sit there while someone puts their dirty shoes on your chairs and not tell them to fo

[@gavinwyllie7855]

The Vitriol Ant received for taking on Edds job on Wheeler Dealers was absolutely ridiculous. How the hell was it Ants fault ffs? Yes, those series were fairly different, good or bad but Edd leaving had absofuckinlutely nothing to do with him. He's an intelligent articulate mechanic and builder of cars. Great vid Jonny. I'm still hyper waiting for the Allegro to be finished 🤣😂

[@Milkman69ner]

There’s a lot of mentally damaged idiots about

[@MasterChief37]

Ant should have done the right thing and declined. It probably would have made his current life less stressful.

[@gavinwyllie7855]

@@MasterChief37 really? Ant made the 'news' as in media bullshit since he split up with his wife. Barely anything was said about him joining or leaving the series. Edd was great, so was ant. On a personal note i hated the scripted crap between Ant and Mike on the series, but its not exactly his fault.

[@MasterChief37]

@@gavinwyllie7855 if he hadn’t gone to to the US all the mess that happened with Christina would never have happened. Wheeler Dealers is meh now, it’s just the Mike show and he’s not funny or interesting .

[@hamshank29]

Look i think we can all agree that Mike Brewer should not be anywhere near a TV screen

[@CustomiZe_]

Wow....so many stories from Ant that I didn't know about but truly fascinating, an absolute legend in the car world, a national icon as they say. 👍👍👍

[@cliftonmanley3882]

I literally FELL into Motorcycle Journalism when I crashed my ZXR750 Superbike in 1992... I rang SSSFM Radio Motorcycle Talkback Show from my hospital bed, and they invited me to become a part of the Team. It led me down Different Roads... I loved it 😍

[@markrizzofield9403]

I think the best most interesting chat you have done yet Jonny, Ant has a hell of a story to tell.

[@rhys180606]

My respect for Anth has gone up massively.

[@mhsurfer6713]

One of the best interviews ever. Well done both👍 Thank you.

[@CalumRaasay]

Great interview as always. I'll be honest I didn't know a single thing about Ant but he's got a great approach to things. Facinating life!

[@pauliboo2]

This is the best one yet! I’ve followed Ant since he started, and have always been in awe of his amazing mechanical talent. He was great on Wheeler Dealers too, best comedy car show there was. Hope he comes back to UK TV again soon!

[@GavinByrneLand]

Top chap, I'm a big fan and it's a joy to see you two sharing a chat.

[@martinboulden4388]

Jonny an awesome video - I really didn’t know much about Ant but has to be said what an interesting guy ! Possibly one of your best interviews.

[@iainweller452]

Great episode I could listen to Ant all day, how have I not heard of Radford Motors 🤯

[@stevefolwell4574]

Thanks guys..that was like a cozy chat among the lads in the local..

[@stuart2631]

Great interview. Big fan of Ant’s work. So talented.

[@bozstitch]

Really interesting to hear Ant's story. Looking forward to part 2. Well done.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Dive straight in Andrew. Thanks!

[@pauldelcour]

Having watched several of these interviews, I consider these to be among the best I've ever seen. Relaxed, not pushy, not offensive, wamt, attentive, considerate. Should be obligatory stuff for potential interviewers.

[@davidminns9799]

Love the way Jonny just let's people talk but gently steering them just like his barn finds always listens so we get the story. Total pro👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks David. We try to let the guest open up as much as possible.

[@studley73]

Wow just wow what an amazing interview, a very humble guy and true family man

[@ford890a]

Well with two divorces behind him he's certainly getting through them.

[@thulsadoom544]

Humble nope ...smug yes

[@eamo106]

Fascinated. Love Ant. Love from Texas !

[@eamo106]

Do what you want that makes you happy Ant !

[@DHUNTI15]

Great show guys thank you both and all involved ✌👌😎

[@grantmail4112]

One word for this guy.. Talented.

[@ThisIsNotASim]

Tremendous work Jonny, as always.

[@adambritain5774]

Didn't know much about Ant at all but this is fascinating. I loved 'For The Love of Cars'. He was great and Philip Glenister was a great co-host as well. Nice to see folk get a bit of success.

[@thejonesscuriosity1881]

Absolute brilliant, both you cool guys just chatting.

[@willh9386]

Superb content great chat with a great guy . Really enjoyed this

[@johnkeenan4184]

Ant is as sound and decent as you are, Jonny. A really worthwhile interview. Enjoyed it a lot.

[@getawayhs2856]

He had is shoes up on the chair, that's neither sound or decent. He shoukd know better.

[@jamesconnors4297]

I think Ant had a hard act to follow when he first turned up on WD. it took me a while to warm to him , but it soon became clear he did what it said on the tin & knew his stuff . A top mechanic & fabricator

[@nnoddy8161]

Jonny is a brilliant journo - great interview.

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

WOW This is the best one Jonny .. Been waiting for this. I'll RT 🙏🙏

[@andym1908]

That was absolutely fantastic Jonny and Ant 👏👍

[@anthonyrawsthorne656]

Fantastic! Have a feeling, you could do a part #3 & #4 and there'd still be interesting content!!

[@summitdetailing6697]

Never watched any of the shows he has been in..but comes across as a proper chap here. Excellent choice of guest Jonny.

[@Dcipherer]

Great interview. Thanks

[@spice3767]

Really like Ant on the show…..very very knowledgeable….and described his work brilliantly……

[@markcady6882]

Top bloke, heading over to part 2 now…..

[@Thetache]

I used to work on that farm site and remember when that floor was poured, the whole shitty barn totally upgraded as C4 or C5 was financing it.

[@MianCowell]

Audio is excellent on this one Johnny. Well done :)

[@BennysBenz]

Good man that Ant. I thought he was in 🇬🇧 this was really great Ant's story is very relatable.

[@3LionsCoaching]

I’m now a football coach, live and breathe the sport.. but also a car guy. Used to be a full time mechanic even, went to school for it.

[@robertbransby]

Ahhhh gutted that ended, what a great channel this is and loving Ant 👍👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Seen part 2?

[@simonharding1572]

Great guy liked the interview - great channel keep up the good work

[@tariqrasul4691]

Fantastic bloke really glad he's doing well Great show

[@c04427041]

I like Ant, great to watch and comes across as a really sound guy.

[@stevie007]

Defo 🙏🙏

[@LoftechUK]

Wow that was right there. My heart ♥️

[@RickTheSpud]

My theory is if you're into football you're not into driving, but you can still be into cars. Which still holds true with Ant. Great chat again Jonny. 👊😎

[@ltmcolen]

When WD was on with Edd I just watched it when it came by but the moment Ant came in I started deliberately taping (or Teevo idk) the episodes. Ant is a really inspiring guy and he pulls off the grey hair like Clooney

[@197Tom]

Interesting chat I think for the love of cars is best thing ant anstead has done

[@JBM_Autodipz]

Great to see Ant,very good at what he does.

[@SteveMorton]

I can't believe he's 'only' 43 years old! Great interview.... off to watch part 2

[@compostcorner5934]

It's the grey hair ,but tbf I still think he looks around that age .I'm 61 but still have dark hair with very little grey at all , people say I look about 50

[@andrewmullen4003]

I'd never heard of Ant, but enjoyed this and will watch part 2, nice bloke.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

He's big in Murica.

[@Taz1451]

@@TheLateBrakeShow get Dario on 😉

[@shaunwafer6907]

I love the idol chats👍🏻

[@mrd4335]

Hi, hope your doing well..? Just to say well done 👍 your doing some really quality work and should be very proud, The positive vibe of the show is a real boost for us petrol-heads. Good luck with everything going forward.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Mr D thank you v much for watching. 👍🏽

[@gilbertozaratecruz1187]

TE FELICITO MI HERMANO ERES GRAN PROFESIONAL CON CONO CIMENTO DE LA ÉTICA LA HONESTIDAD LEALTAD FIDELIDAD ADMIRO TU TRABAJO SALUDOS

[@WileyFox01]

Great photo of Ant playing for the Saints.......

[@IDann1]

Best video so far, beyond cars.

[@grantmckendry3323]

Jonny’s theory needs reassessed! Ant on Wheeler Dealers was great, playing himself not a character, he was right that Ed paved the way, everything evolves inc Wheeler Dealers. Looking forward to seeing Ant back on screen soon.

[@DizzBoos]

Very, very talented guy. Metal work was awesome

[@goosegog]

Ant and I met a few years ago when he and Philip were filming For The Love Of Cars. He came to my workplace to film and chat about an engine we were building for the car they were restoring. He was a very energetic and dynamic force of nature. Nice one Jonny!

[@muckle8]

Jonny,s got good energy too - had a quick chat a week back when he was crushing thru Leicester in his Dodge Charger - def a nice bloke

[@goosegog]

@@muckle8 Totes! 👍🏻

[@kevinharker1840]

just can't get away with the bloke, come back Ed China, real world repairer.

[@MarJay1980]

@@kevinharker1840 There's a time and a place... this aint it.

[@kevinharker1840]

@@MarJay1980 remember free speech mate? you dont decide when the time or the place is.

[@Dudleymiddleton]

Those poor midgets were made to look so horrible with the plastic bumpers! Something to do with safety building regs at the time 1978 I think. Also the series 1 land rovers are as rare as rocking horse manure, with the narrow gauge inset lights, ruled out by regs in about 71 or 72? maybe earlier IDK. Thank you for a fascinating interview with a very charismatic person such as Ant, He is an inspiration with his positive enthusiasm.

[@ianmangham4570]

Those mgs fell apart in front of me in the rain ,the entire floor and rocker panel would just collapse when trod on 🤣,now if the vehicle lived in California it would be just fine.🙏🇬🇧

[@johnmull59]

Good to see the chairs back in use.... thoroughly enjoyed that. First of a mini-series?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks John. We hope to indeed find enough 'victims' for the brown chairs in order to deliver an episode every few months.

[@chawan5299]

I want a project that Ant and Sreten do together, love both the guys. Love the convo too

[@dronesnorthland]

great interview, cheers

[@samieb155]

These are great content. Ant is mega and what he said about Ed China was brilliant, would be really good if that idea all works out. 1 of a small group of SM people who are very down to earth with no BS or bollox. Be interesting to see what happens next. Long admired the Brits in LA hanging out together. 👍👍

[@ian_morg]

Absolutely loved that! Such a lovely guy and one of my fave car and tv guys 😎👍🏻 now part 2!

[@stevie007]

Totally agree 🙏🙏

[@wrathofbod]

A Great Guy, Love for the love of cars.

[@Maksimov1337]

Ant's an absolute dude, nobody can be an Edd replacement, but he brought his own set of skills and unique charm to the programme. Not the same but just as good if not better in his presence. Was quite disappointed when he didn't make a comeback later down the line, it's really a shame what the network put him through with that contract and I totally get it now. We never would've known without an interview like this for example!

[@karenbyard694]

I'd rather bum ant than Ed what about you maximus or whatever your called are you the bummer or bumee

[@karenbyard694]

Bum bum lick lick

[@sfjp1]

Never heard of this guy but seems cool and great interview. Love the fact he want Jaguar, Land Rover. Britishness not left him.

[@johnleesdad]

Always liked Ant but really enjoyed this, what an interesting person

[@CGDeluxe]

Ant is a Great Man, Love the series Dude

[@chargeheadsuk]

I enjoyed Ed and Ant on wheeler dealers and have an interest in the EV stuff Ant does. I can relate to the having a purpose he spoke about. ChargeheadsUK is my current purpose

[@george-1961]

Brilliant!!

[@wildthinair]

Brilliant interview

[@stevenbennett3922]

It strikes me that Ant would be successful in whatever he chose to do. To have that drive from in your teens and self-confidence to do what you want.

[@RandallSlick]

Purpose. Spot on.

[@tang0au]

i had no idea about the adversity in Ants personal life - and i'm glad i dont... its none of my business. hes just a great passionate person who does wonders for the 'carlife' people ... great interview

[@TheFROG338]

brillient episode...1 & 2...

[@kdm6287]

To greats of the car world. Good job

[@forfluf]

I could see why it didn't work with Christina Hall she asked Ant on her show to make something for her and he made this amazing in wall bar shelf and she had that look on her like "how dare you upstage me" But that may have been only my imagination.

[@GrahamDallas]

I knew nothing about Ant other that I was aware he was on WD, I thought I'll give it 5 minutes. Now on to part 2.

[@spiritlevel7353]

Brilliant !

[@JustinSeara]

Ant has played 700+ games of professional football!!?!? What the hell?? What a guy haha

[@LennartMakinen]

Interesting even though I have never heard of him before.

[@306hdipug]

Brilliant watch

[@GeordiLaForgery]

Save you 30 mins - Life of Dealer: 1) Buy car from auction and spend £5 washing car 2) Make advert, add 100%+ on top of price paid, include words "mint condition" and "well looked after".

[@motorclaimguru]

I agree Jonny completely about the Football and petrol head.. Spot on.

[@stuartbrown3008]

Two proper nice fellas. Great vid

[@Roguescienceguy]

Ant was the top G of the wheeler dealer mechanics. The stuff he did was extremely impressive.

[@beeftech123]

What was the name of the car show filmed in the MOT station Ant refers to at 12:00?

[@1999zrx1100]

Cheers 👍

[@martinuso7446]

What a nice genuine person. Well, two of them but i meant Ant. You two like and respect each other and that fabric is almost palpable. That's something very rare in TV/tube interviews. Thank you two so much for the delightful enjoyment.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you for the lovely comment.

[@stuart6935]

That was really good Jonny. What a sound guy Ant is.....Hope there is a part 2 ?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

There is. It is up there now.

[@IanRossDavies]

Mr Late Brake… Cars and Football are my two greatest loves. Always have been, always will be. More than enough brain space! Little left for Cricket, MMA, all sorts of other things too! 😊

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Once again Jonny is consuming his hat.

[@keithbill310]

This man is a great achiever...

[@redman9pablo]

I'm no petrol head but bloody hell love your videos and content.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

👌🏽

[@Brickhazard]

I am fanatical about cars and football as well. :P

[@_Makanko_]

Interesting talk

[@jondrizzle4554]

What a nice, talented chap When I was 16/17 all I could do was smoke bongs and thrash my mini around ...not build cars 🤣🤣

[@craigmorgan4676]

Ants a beaut very likeable, just like Edd was in the Wheeler Dealer show!All about serious mechanical nause!Great interview!💪👌👊👏👏👏💪👍

[@35deedub]

i agree on the cars/ football theory Jonny~