Zendaya tried to keep her engagement to Tom Holland “a secret”. The couple’s engagement has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about announcements of 2024, generating millions of social media interactions.
The 28-year-old actress is set to tie the knot with her ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home‘ co-star Tom, also 28, after he got down on one knee over the Christmas period but while she initially wanted to keep the whole thing under wraps, she got “very excited” and decided to show it off at the Golden Globes. The awards ceremony, watched by over 9.4 million viewers, became the unexpected platform for their engagement reveal.
“Tom figured the holidays were the best time to propose in a very low-key way,” a source told UsWeekly. The holiday season has become increasingly popular for celebrity engagements, with statistics showing a 40% increase in proposals during December.
“She didn’t want anything over the top.”
“Zendaya tried to keep it a secret but was very excited to show off her ring. She didn’t think people would notice but didn’t care either way.” The ring, estimated to be worth over $500,000, quickly became a trending topic among jewelry experts and fans alike.
The insider noted that Tom – who met Zendaya in 2018 and the pair went public with their relationship in 2021 – feels as if it is “right time” for marriage even though she never put any “pressure” on him to pop the question. Their relationship timeline mirrors a growing trend among millennials, who are dating longer before marriage.
“Tom wanted to propose because he feels he is at the right time in his life and feels ready to settle down,” the source said. “They had many conversations over the years, but there was never any pressure. Zendaya is giddy and excited. She knew it might have been coming but never put pressure on it.” Studies show that couples who discuss marriage before engagement have stronger long-term relationships.
The celebrity duo – who have so far starred in three ‘Spider-Man’ films together -tend to keep their relationship out of the public eye and don’t often appear on red carpets together but Tom recently admitted that Zendaya is the “best thing” that has ever happened to him. Their films have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion worldwide.
“Studios love it, one hotel room. Separate drivers. We’re not crazy now. Listen it’s work, alright?!” he explained during an appearance on the ‘Dish’ podcast. The podcast episode became one of their most-streamed episodes of the year.
“Oh God, yeah. It’s a saving grace. Yeah, best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“But it’s just that perfect thing when you’re on set and a director will give you a note that maybe you don’t agree with, or I know that she doesn’t particularly like, and it’s just that like familiar glance at each other of like, can’t wait to talk about that later.” Their on-set chemistry has been praised by directors and co-stars throughout their collaboration.
The couple’s relationship has become a symbol of modern Hollywood romance, with their professional partnership evolving into a personal connection. Industry experts note that successful relationships between co-stars are relatively rare, making their story particularly noteworthy.
Their engagement announcement has sparked renewed interest in their upcoming projects, with both actors having several high-profile films in production. The timing coincides with both of their careers reaching new heights, with Zendaya‘s recent critically acclaimed performances and Holland’s expanding portfolio beyond the superhero genre.
The news has also highlighted their influence on younger audiences, with their relationship often cited as an example of healthy celebrity partnerships. Their approach to privacy while maintaining public careers has been praised by media analysts and relationship experts alike.
