In a revealing interview, Emmy Award-winning actress Zendaya has opened up about her life split between the United States and the United Kingdom with fiancé Tom Holland, expressing genuine affection for British culture while admitting one particular classic snack continues to mystify her.
Finding Home in South London
The Dune star, who divides her time between Los Angeles and Tom Holland's Victorian property in Richmond, South West London, says Britain now feels like a proper home rather than just a temporary destination. "When I go to the UK, I don't feel like a visitor any more," Zendaya explained. "I understand British slang, I get the culture, and I know a 'nice cup of tea' makes everything right."
Despite her busy filming schedule primarily based in LA preventing permanent relocation, the actress emphasised how comfortable she has become with British life. "It really feels like coming home, and I love the people," she added, highlighting the couple's appreciation for London's culinary scene, particularly praising the quality of Indian food they discovered during a pre-Christmas theatre outing.
The Jaffa Cake Conundrum
However, one aspect of British culture continues to baffle the California-raised star. "I will never understand the fascination with Jaffa Cakes," Zendaya confessed. "They just don't make sense to me!" This honest admission about the iconic British snack—a sponge base topped with orange jelly and coated in chocolate—highlights the cultural differences that still occasionally surface despite her adaptation to life across the Atlantic.
Professional Partnership and Privacy Balance
Zendaya also discussed working alongside her fiancé, with whom she has appeared in three Spider-Man films and will share the screen again in upcoming projects including Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and the next Spider-Man installment. Contrary to industry warnings about working with romantic partners, she described Holland as "my favourite person to work with," praising his calming presence on set.
The couple, affectionately known to fans as Tomdaya, have developed strategies to maintain their privacy while navigating public life. "Neither of us want to hide and not live our lives and do normal things like go out for dinner," Zendaya explained, "but at the same time we want to protect our privacy. The parts that are in our control, we fiercely protect."
Reflections on Early Stardom
Zendaya reflected thoughtfully on her rise to fame as a teenager on Disney Channel's Shake It Up, describing a "complicated relationship" with starting in the industry so young. While grateful for the opportunities, she acknowledged missing out on typical teenage experiences, crediting her protective parents with helping her navigate early fame successfully.
Her career continues to flourish, with 2026 shaping up to be her busiest year yet featuring four blockbuster releases and her return as Rue Bennett in the final season of Euphoria. She is currently preparing for her first release of the year, The Drama, where she stars alongside British actor Robert Pattinson.
