Dan & Phil Finally Confirm: “We’ve Been Dating Since 2009”
YouTube stars Dan Howell and Phil Lester have officially confirmed what fans long suspected: the duo have been romantically involved since 2009. In an emotional and candid video posted to their shared channel on October 13, 2025, they addressed rumors head-on.
The video begins simply: Howell asks, “Are Dan and Phil in a relationship?” Lester replies, “Yes.” Howell, jokingly, says, “Alright, bye … you wanted the juice?” The pair then dive into how their bond formed early and naturally — how they “fell into it hard and fast” nearly 16 years ago.
Despite years of speculation, they had not labeled themselves publicly. “We just ended up living together and here we are,” Howell says. Lester adds they’ve learned to balance their professional identities with their personal one.
Identity, Privacy, and the Weight of Disclosure
Both YouTubers came out publicly in June 2019, but until now, they refrained from discussing the state of their relationship directly. Howell revealed that fears from his upbringing and past trauma influenced their decision to stay private for so long. “We have been held back … because of all the past trauma and terror of what could happen in the future,” he says.
Lester reflects on the tension between wanting to be open and protecting their relationship. They stress that although now public, they won’t shift to becoming “couple vloggers in bed” — their content will remain focused on entertainment, not just romance.
What Comes Next: A Podcast & Continued Creativity
To accompany this moment of clarity, the pair also announced “The Dan and Phil Podcast,” where they plan to share more personal stories, perspectives, and experiences. They emphasized that this does not mean their entire content output will lean romantic or shift dramatically.
Their relationship, they say, isn’t perfect. “We have had ups and downs like anybody,” Howell admits. But after nearly 16 years together, they say they’re ready to live without fear, to be more transparent and authentic in public.
