Steve Jones has a string of famous exes in his wake, including Pamela Anderson, Hayden Panettiere and The One Show presenter Alex Jones. But for the past few years, the Welsh TV host has been a married man - and he couldn't be happier.
The 45-year-old from Tylerstown in Rhondda has been married to American Phylicia Jackson-Jones since 2014 after meeting her in LA when he hosted The X Factor USA.
“My good marriage, my healthy marriage – it’s my greatest achievement. I love being with my wife. She’s my absolute favourite person," the Welshman told The Mirror in an interview ahead of presenting Channel 4's F1 season opening coverage live from Bahrain on Sunday, March 20.
Read more: Stereophonics' Kelly Jones opens up about how his child's cancer diagnosis inspired his music
Steve - who is also host of the new Channel 4 propert series Perfect House, Secret Location - doesn't like to dwell on his past relationships, more about which you can read here. Back in the early 2000s he hosted Channel 4’s T4, and had them falling at his feet.
He made singer Kylie Minogue blush when he got down on one knee 12 years ago, as she took over presenting a T4 Weekend. He dated Hollywood stars, including Baywatch’s Pamela Anderson and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere. Closer to home he won the hearts of TV presenters Fearne Cotton and fellow Welsh star Alex Jones as well as the late Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding.
But 11 years ago, the tables were turned when he clapped eyes on photographer Phylicia - and the rest is history. Las Vegas-raised Phylicia, 36, is a well-respected food stylist and writer.
“To even talk about the past now would be disrespectful to her. I don’t think about the past. I don’t read about myself or Google my own name. We’re happy and having a good time. That’s one of the things I’m most proud about.”
Phylicia’s social media is full of fun-loving snaps of the picture-perfect pair living life to the fullest. They also live independent lives and she supports his frequent work trips away.
He said: “My wife is very cool with her own company. I don’t feel the need to say, ‘Oh God, I need to ring my wife right now as we haven’t spoken today’ when I’m working. She doesn’t need to be reassured by me with three calls a day.”
Steve, who was a model and began on TV on C5’s 99 Things To Do Before You Die, is equally relaxed about his career. He said: “I don’t think of the past or the future. I’m not one of these people who writes, ‘Here are 10 things I want to achieve in the next five years’. I just know that in the moment I am focused and work hard and whatever happens, happens.”
Steve’s endearing and enduring wit was part of the reason Channel 4 recruited him to present Perfect House, Secret Location, in which couples visit homes in the UK but are kept in the dark about the location.
He said: “Presenting is not a job for the faint-hearted but you have got to be confident and tenacious and not scared to try new things. Before the F1 job I had never even considered becoming a sports presenter. I thought no, that’s terrifying!
“But the fact it scared me made me think that maybe it was the right thing to do and it was probably the best move I ever made. I feel so energised by it as it’s a great sport to be involved in. With this one I’m not absolutely 100% familiar with the subject matter. I love a property show as much as the next person. Martin Roberts from Homes Under The Hammer is my god. I love that man.
“I’m not going to pretend I’m an expert. That’s why I’m surrounded by a very intelligent, bright team who know when to hold your hand and when to say, ‘Now go off and be yourself’.”
Steve was initially reluctant to take the job but was interested in the different format and humour in the show. He whisks couples away in a blacked-out people carrier to see dream homes within their budget. But they are not told where the homes are until they’ve plumped for the one they love the most.
He laughs at any suggestion he’s trying to compete with the likes of Location, Location, Location’s Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer. Steve says: “Don’t you go starting any wars between me and Allsopp. Because we know she’ll win!”
Perfect House, Secret Location, Thursdays at 8pm on Channel 4.
