Real life of Phil Spencer - accidental TV star, recent tragedy and 'true' relationship with Kirstie Allsopp

Phil and Kirstie/Kirstie and Phil - they are the property hunting duo TV viewers have been on first name terms with for two decades. The accidental TV stars were both busy finding homes for other people before a production company came calling - and the rest is history.

They've branched out over the years into shows about crafting (Kirstie) and dog walks (Phil) but property remains their first love and what they're best known for. Their first show Location Location Location has since been joined by spin-offs including Relocation Relocation and Kirstie and Phil's Love It or List It, which returns for a new series on December 27.

Despite his day job, Phil has admitted he doesn't like moving himself, once telling Great British Life: “I don’t like moving. I like helping other people move, but personally, I find it unsettling."

Read on to find out more about Phil's life, family and how his "weekend job" learning about TV became a full-time career.

Phil and his older brother and two younger sisters all grew up at their family farm in Littlebourne, Kent. He says he had an "idyllic childhood" of running around having adventures on a farm and learning about nature.

He told Great British Life back in 2013: "It was a mixed farm, beef cattle, hops, watercress, potatoes, fruit and arable, which made it a lot of fun. Mum would take us out in the holidays to help with what was being harvested; there was always something in season so we were happy to get involved and be useful. I have lots of happy memories."

He also remembers happy days out at Sandwich beach and said he spent many a sunny afternoon watching cricket at Kent Cricket Club's ground in Canterbury before cycling home.

Phil was sent to public school Uppingham and became