Philip was born in Harrow, north west London in February 1963. He grew up in Hatch End and went to Hatch End Comprehensive which is now Hatch End High School.

He started his career off late, following in his older brother's footsteps (Robert is a leading National Theatre and RSC actor, and is currently on television in "Hustle". His father, John, is a retired, and distinguished, television director) but, as soon as he left Central School of Speech and Drama, he was in work, in demand, and growing in popularity.

Philip is married to the actress Beth Goddard. They live in London with their two young daughters.