Zendaya's 'KC Undercover' co-star reveals early days of romance with Tom Holland: 'I knew it was serious'

Tammy Townsend, who played Zendaya’s mother on the TV show, revealed the cast 'knew there was a really strong connection' brewing between the couple
UPDATED JAN 29, 2025
Zendaya and Tom Holland's connection was undeniable even in the earliest days, confirmed Zendaya's co-stars (David M Benett/Getty Images)
Zendaya and Tom Holland's connection was undeniable even in the earliest days, confirmed Zendaya's co-stars (David M Benett/Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: For years, Zendaya and Tom Holland have been one of Hollywood’s most beloved yet private couples, keeping their romance tightly "under wraps" since the very beginning.

But according to those who knew them best, like former 'KC Undercover' co-star Tammy Townsend, their connection was undeniable even in the earliest days.

: Tom Holland and Zendaya are seen on October 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)
Tom Holland and Zendaya are seen on October 24, 2024, in New York City (XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

Tammy Townsend dishes on Zendaya and Tom Holland's secret romance

As per exclusive People reports, Tammy Townsend recently reflected on the couple’s early days, revealing just how discreet they were when they first started dating.

Speaking to the outlet as she looked back on the Disney Channel show’s 10th anniversary, Townsend shared, “I knew it was serious. Tom would just come through and see what we were doing.”

Tammy Townsend attends BET+ Celebrates the premiere of Average Joe at Goya Studios on June 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET+)
Tammy Townsend attends BET+ Celebrates the premiere of Average Joe at Goya Studios on June 22, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET+)

Townsend, who played Zendaya’s mother in the series, added that the cast “definitely knew that there was a really strong connection” between the two.

She had nothing but admiration for Holland, calling him “a really cool kid.”

Trinitee Stokes, who portrayed Zendaya’s little sister on the show, also had fond memories of Holland’s presence on set while he was “just hanging around.”

(IMDB)
Zendaya portrayed K C Cooper in the series 'KC Undercover' (IMDB)

“He’s so funny,” the 18-year-old gushed before adding, “I love Tom, and I honestly have been so happy to watch this progression in their relationship because he’s such a great guy.”

Watching the pair’s relationship unfold from the early days to their engagement has been an “exciting journey,” she added.

From rumors to Instagram official and Golden Globes that confirmed it all

The 'Spider-Man' co-stars first sparked relationship rumors in 2017, when an insider revealed to People that they had “started seeing each other” while filming together.

However, Zendaya initially shut down speculation, telling Variety in August 2017 that they were just “friends.”

Despite their efforts to keep things quiet, the world got undeniable proof of their romance in July 2021, when they were spotted sharing a kiss in a car.

(L-R) Tom Holland and Zendaya attend Sony Pictures'
Tom Holland and Zendaya attend Sony Pictures' 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' Los Angeles Premiere on December 13, 2021, in Los Angeles, California (Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

Shortly after, in September 2021, Holland made their relationship Instagram official with a sweet birthday tribute, calling Zendaya “my MJ.”

She later returned the favor, posting a heartfelt message before the premiere of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', referring to him as “my Spider-Man.”

Fast-forward to the 2025 Golden Globes, where Zendaya became the talk of the night—not just for her achievements, but for the dazzling ring on her finger.

Zendaya attends the 2025 Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
Zendaya attends the 2025 Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 5, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

Fans immediately speculated that she and Holland were engaged. By the next morning, a family source confirmed the news to People, while another insider revealed, “Everyone close to them knew” it was coming.

“He’s always been crazy about her. He always knew she was the one. They have something very special,” the second source shared and continued, “Tom’s always had this sweet way of letting the world know that Zendaya is his. Now, it’s official—she really is!” 

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