Demobbed as a lieutenant in December 1944, Phillips' acting career initially took in "the murkiest rat-infested old and music halls in the North of England". It was during the 1950s that he became known for playing amusing English stereotypes. His first lead role in a television serial was in the sitcom "My Wife Jacqueline" (1952). His seductive voice is his trademark as well as his catchphrases, "I say, Ding Dong" (originally the catchphrase of Phillips' character Jack Bell in "Carry On Nurse"), and "He-llo" with a suggestive intonation, which were partly, if not wholly, based on those of fellow actor Terry Thomas who was also known for playing cads.