Dan Howell and Phil Lester Relationship Officially Confirmed
After more than a decade of speculation, YouTube’s beloved duo Dan Howell and Phil Lester have finally confirmed their romantic relationship.
The two creators, known for their sharp humor, warmth, and iconic chemistry, addressed long-standing fan curiosity in a heartfelt and humorous video uploaded to their shared YouTube channel.
For years, the internet has been filled with questions about the Dan Howell and Phil Lester relationship, and the pair decided it was time to give fans the answer they’ve been waiting for.
“Alright, let’s get this over with. Are Dan and Phil in a relationship?” Howell asked.
“Yes,” Lester replied simply — marking the long-awaited confirmation.
How the Dan Howell and Phil Lester Relationship Began
Dan and Phil’s story started back in 2009, when Howell — a fan of Lester’s AmazingPhil channel — reached out online. The two quickly became friends, meeting in person soon after and beginning what would become one of YouTube’s most enduring partnerships.
In their video, Howell recalled, “We fell into it hard and fast in 2009 and here we are almost 16 years later.”
Lester joked, “Stop telling me how long it was. So yeah, relationship, boyfriends.”
The pair admitted that they never officially labeled their relationship early on. “It was so fast that we never labeled it,” Howell said. “We just ended up living together and here we are.”
You can still watch many of their earliest collaborations on AmazingPhil’s YouTube Channel (external, dofollow).
Coming Out and the Evolution of Their Relationship
Both creators publicly came out as gay in 2019 — Howell through his deeply personal video Basically I’m Gay, and Lester with Coming Out to You.
In his video, Howell hinted that the two had once been romantically involved but didn’t disclose details at the time. Now, years later, they feel ready to share more openly about the Dan Howell and Phil Lester relationship.
“We’ve shared so much of our lives online,” Howell explained, “but some things needed time to grow quietly.”
For context on how public figures navigate coming out online, you can read this helpful article from BBC Culture (external, dofollow).
The Dan Howell and Phil Lester Relationship During Their Solo Careers
After their 2018 world tour Interactive Introverts, Dan and Phil decided to take a break from joint projects. During this period, they both pursued individual passions:
- Dan Howell published his best-selling book You Will Get Through This Night and launched a global solo tour, We’re All Doomed, exploring comedy through a mental-health lens.
- Phil Lester continued creating uplifting, quirky videos on AmazingPhil, nurturing his loyal audience and keeping his content true to his original charm.
Despite working separately, the Dan Howell and Phil Lester relationship continued privately. Fans occasionally caught glimpses of their closeness — shared trips, photos, or casual mentions in interviews — keeping speculation alive.
You can read more about Howell’s book on Penguin Books UK (external, dofollow).
Reuniting Creatively: From Gaming to Touring Again
In 2023, Dan and Phil reignited their collaboration by reviving their iconic DanAndPhilGAMES channel after a five-year hiatus. Their return video immediately trended on YouTube, proving their bond and fanbase were stronger than ever.
By 2024, they hit the road together again for their Terrible Influence North American tour — their third major live show together. In an interview with People magazine, Howell revealed that reuniting for content creation “just felt natural” and inspired them to dream bigger once again.
Internally, you can also check our own post on Top YouTube Creator Comebacks of 2024 (internal link) for similar success stories.
The Realities of the Dan Howell and Phil Lester Relationship
The pair were refreshingly honest about their 15-year journey, making it clear that even strong partnerships have challenges.
“Don’t get it into your head that we’re the ideal of human partnerships,” Lester said candidly.
Howell added, “We’ve had ups and downs like anybody. We’ve lived a thousand lifetimes of a normal person’s partnership, and I have no idea why we’ve survived — but here we are.”
Their candor resonated with fans who appreciated the glimpse into a genuine, long-term relationship that has endured fame, online scrutiny, and creative evolution.
What’s Next for Dan and Phil?
Despite publicly confirming their relationship, the pair assured fans that they won’t be turning their brand into “couple vlogs” or romantic skits.
“We’re not going to be romantic on camera,” Howell joked. “That’s not our vibe.”
Instead, they’re launching a Dan and Phil podcast, where they’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, personal opinions, and plenty of humor. “Fifteen years of suppressing all these stories and opinions, and they’re finally gonna come out,” Lester teased.
For related coverage, see our internal feature Top New Podcasts by YouTubers in 2025 (internal link).
Why the Dan Howell and Phil Lester Relationship Matters to Fans
The confirmation of the Dan Howell and Phil Lester relationship marks more than a celebrity revelation — it’s a cultural milestone for fans who grew up alongside the pair.
For millions who watched their videos as teens, this moment is a celebration of authenticity, trust, and emotional growth. It also reflects how digital creators today are redefining transparency and privacy in the influencer era.
Their story proves that love, creativity, and partnership can thrive even in the ever-changing world of the internet.
Final Thoughts
After 15 years, the world finally knows the truth: Dan Howell and Phil Lester are more than just creative partners — they’re life partners.
Their decision to share this chapter of their lives highlights how far they’ve come, both personally and professionally.
As Howell summed it up perfectly:
“It’s been a wild ride. But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
