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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

Phil Spencer relieved Kirstie Allsopp 'hasn't killed him yet' amid show misconception

Property gurus Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp have been on our screens for two decades - and have no intention of going their separate ways any time soon.

The pair first met during a screen test for their popular Channel 4 property show Location, Location, Location in 2000 and clicked immediately.

Phil has previously revealed he often refers to his co-star as his 'other wife', while Kirstie once admitted she knows him better than her own partner.

The housing market has changed drastically over that time, but the firm friends have evolved with the times and are still at the top of their game.

Speaking to The Mirror, Phil has admitted he is very lucky to have worked with Kirstie for so long - and she's not fed up with him yet.

"Looking back on my career, where do I start? I suppose I can’t not answer this question honestly without acknowledging Location, Location, Location," he tells us.

Phil and Kirstie are constantly giving us sound advice (Channel 4)

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"It’s been on people’s televisions for 22-years. Kirstie and I are incredibly proud of that. It was the first property programme, and it’s a great format.

"Kirstie and I are very lucky to work with one another and present it for so long, and she’s not killed me… yet."

Some viewers have incorrectly believed they are a couple due to their on-screen chemistry, but their relationship is purely platonic.

Phil lives in Hampshire with his Australian wife Fiona and their two sons, while Kirstie also has two kids with property developer Ben Anderson, who she has been with for 17 years.

The biggest challenge the pair have faced in recent times is filming their shows during the pandemic - because it's predominantly inside.

One thing we don't see as viewers is all the hard work that goes into producing the shows behind-the-scenes.

They are the stars of Location, Location, Location (Channel 4)

Phil explains: "A huge amount of work goes into finding the properties to show the house hunters, all with their own unique criteria.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that the deal at the end of the show, happens as quickly or as smoothly as it appears in the edited version. Those negotiations and numerous phone calls can take hours."

Phil has also told The Mirror what the biggest mistakes people are making when buying a house - and the best way to get on the property ladder in the current climate.

The property expert is keen to stress that the place you want to live now might not be ideal in five or 10 years time.

"I often advise people looking for a house to try and forecast the next five to ten years of their life," Phil says.

"Sure, you love going for drinks with your friends now because the local pub is only a five-minute walk but are you going to care about that in five years’ time when they’re starting to settle down?

"Look, no one knows what the future holds, the last two years have taught us that but it’s a good idea to at least think about it for a while before making a big purchase."

Phil has given us some expert tips (PA)

Regardless of whether you are buying or renting, Phil believes your home is "fundamental" to your happiness so it has to be right.

Because it's a sellers' market at the moment, he says buyers and renters face a lot of competition so it's important to act fast.

"Stock is low at the moment so it’s very much a seller's market, which means buyers' ability to haggle is diluted," says the property expert.

"I know it's easier said than done but save as much as you can and think about how you can be the best potential candidate for the vendor.

"Chains can be complex so having a mortgage in principle in place, solicitor on standby and being responsive to the estate agent will put you in a good place. It's not easy so stay optimistic."

Phil is one of the famous faces in attendance at this year's Ideal Home Show and feels "honoured" to have been asked back for the 114th year.

Phil Spencer at the Ideal Home Show in 2019 (Ideal Home Show)

"As a self-confessed property geek, the ideal Home Show is full of other property enthusiasts and has a fantastic atmosphere," he says.

"I will be at running some talks at this year’s Ideal Home Show, talking about the current housing market, sharing advice and tips on how to navigate the current climate and share stories from over the years.

"There’s a huge demand right now and it’s certainly a sellers’ market, so I am sure there will be lots of questions."

And Phil will also be back on our screens with Kirstie in the very near future after completing filming for two of their property shows.

He adds: "After my stint at this year’s Ideal Home Show Kirstie and I will be finishing another series of Kirstie and Phil's Love It or List It and then begin filming for Location Location Location over Easter."

The Ideal Home Show, in partnership with NatWest, the world’s longest-running home and interiors exhibition, is currently on at Olympia London until Sunday 27th March 2022. For more information and tickets, please visit idealhomeshow.co.uk

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