From the first meeting to now, here’s a look back at Dan and Phil’s 16-year relationship

Okay, so after nearly 16 years of fan theories, speculation, and endless “Phan” memes, Dan Howell and Phil Lester have finally accepted their relationship and gone public. This is a huge moment, not just for them, but for millions of people who’ve been wondering about their status for years. The fact that they felt ready to share their story now makes it super special, showing how far they’ve come both personally and professionally.

So, here’s looking back at their journey from the start to now:

via YouTube

2009 – The beginning

Dan and Phil first met online in 2009, and the connection was instant. By October that year, they met in person, and their friendship grew super fast. They started collaborating on content, and you could already see the chemistry on screen. This was basically the start of everything, friendship, partnership, and eventually, romance.

2011–2012 – Moving in and relocating

In 2011, they moved in together, and a year later they relocated to London. Their channels were growing, and they were becoming one of YouTube’s most iconic duos. But despite the rising fame, they kept their personal lives private.

2019 – Coming out

In June 2019, Dan came out as gay and hinted at a past romantic connection with Phil, without clarifying their current relationship. Phil followed suit later that month. People were buzzing, but they still chose not to publicly define things.

2023 – Revisiting the gaming channel

After some years focusing on solo projects, Phil suggested reviving their gaming channel, which had been on pause since 2018. Dan agreed, and this return felt natural, reigniting their creative partnership.

2024–2025 – Third tour and reunited projects

Most Read

Everything the real Adeline Watkins has said about her twisted relationship with Ed Gein

The deeper meaning of why Ed Gein saw everything green in The Ed Gein Story’s episode four

Bonnie Blue offends 800k people as she names and shames two ‘sh*thole’ UK cities

In 2024, they launched their third joint tour, Terrible Influence, which ran through earlier this year. Their reunion in content and tours showed just how strong their bond, both personal and professional, remained.

Keeping their relationship private wasn’t always smooth. At one point, a Valentine’s video Phil made for Dan accidentally went public due to a YouTube glitch. Dan described it as feeling “like an assault,” and it almost broke them. Thankfully, they worked through it, coming out stronger and closer.

October 2025 – Finally public

Finally, yesterday, October 13, they confirmed their relationship in a 46-minute video titled Are Dan and Phil in a Relationship? Dan asked the question directly, and Phil replied simply, “Yes.” They also explained why they waited so long.

via YouTube

They reassured viewers that their content won’t suddenly become romantic, joking about not turning into “couple vloggers in bed.” Instead, they’re launching The Dan and Phil Podcast, promising stories and reflections from over 15 years together.

For more like this, like The Tab on Facebook. Featured image via YouTube.