Just in London: ‘So Brave, So Loved’ – Fiona Phillips’ Husband Shares Stressful Alzheimer’s Update as Fans Recall Her TV Talent
London, June 14, 2025 – Martin Frizell, husband of beloved television presenter Fiona Phillips, has shared a poignant and stressful update on her ongoing battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on their family. The 64-year-old former This Morning editor, speaking at a recent Alzheimer’s Society event in London, described Fiona’s condition as “frightening but still filled with moments of joy,” prompting an outpouring of support from fans who fondly remember the 64-year-old’s vibrant career on GMTV and her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness. The update, coupled with fans’ tributes to Fiona’s talent, has reignited admiration for her courage and legacy.
Fiona, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022 at age 61, first revealed her condition publicly in July 2023, shocking viewers who cherished her warmth and wit during her tenure on GMTV from 1993 to 2008. Martin’s latest remarks come as the couple promotes their forthcoming book, Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s, set for release on July 3, 2025, through Pan Macmillan. The memoir, co-written with Fiona, Martin, and longtime friend Alison Phillips, details Fiona’s struggles with memory lapses, confusion, and the “crippling anxiety” she initially mistook for menopause symptoms. Martin shared, “It’s been a stressful journey. Fiona’s moments of clarity are precious, but the disease is relentless. We’re holding on to every smile and every memory.”
At the Alzheimer’s Society event, Martin opened up about the challenges of caregiving, particularly after stepping down as This Morning editor in February 2025 to prioritize Fiona’s care. “I worry about her every day—what she’s eaten, if she’s safe when I’m not there,” he said, echoing sentiments from earlier interviews where he described administering Fiona’s trial drug, Miridesap, three times daily at University College Hospital in London. The drug, part of a clinical trial that may include a placebo, has shown tentative signs of stabilizing Fiona’s condition, with cognitive tests in October 2024 indicating no significant decline since the previous year. However, Martin admitted, “We don’t know if it’s the drug or hope keeping us going.”
Fiona’s diagnosis has been particularly heartbreaking given her family’s history with Alzheimer’s, which claimed her mother, Amy, in 2006, her father, Neville, in 2012, and her grandparents and uncle. Fans on X have lauded Fiona’s bravery, recalling her as a “trailblazer” on GMTV alongside Eamonn Holmes and her poignant 2009 Channel 4 documentary, Mum, Dad, Alzheimer’s and Me. One post read, “Fiona Phillips was pure sunshine on GMTV. Her courage now is unreal. Sending love to her and Martin.” Another fan wrote, “She’s so brave, so loved. Her Alzheimer’s fight reminds us how cruel this disease is.” Lorraine Kelly, a longtime colleague, reposted her 2023 tribute, saying, “Fiona’s optimism is infectious. She’s a good, kind soul.”
The couple’s openness has sparked renewed calls for Alzheimer’s research funding, with Fiona, an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society, emphasizing the disease’s £37 billion annual cost to the UK, projected to rise to £94 billion by 2040. Martin highlighted Fiona’s determination to live fully, noting she still enjoys walks, coffee with friends, and cheering for Chelsea FC, though she avoids crowded places like the Tube due to anxiety. “She’s still Fiona—funny, honest, and fighting,” he said, referencing her book’s aim to comfort others with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Fiona’s television legacy, from GMTV to Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 and her Daily Mirror columns, remains a touchstone for fans. Her 2012 campaign with the Department of Health and Social Care to encourage Alzheimer’s conversations and her advocacy with Alzheimer’s Research UK have been praised by Kate Lee, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, who said, “Fiona’s bravery raises vital awareness. We’re grateful for her and Martin’s impact.” The couple’s sons, Nat, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, have also shown quiet support, with Mackenzie helping with household tasks, a gesture Fiona called “his way of showing love.”
As Fiona and Martin navigate this “frightening and confusing” chapter, their story continues to inspire. Martin’s update underscores the couple’s resilience, with Fiona insisting, “I know I can still have a great life. I’m not giving up.” Fans have flooded X with messages like “Fiona Phillips is a national treasure” and “Martin’s devotion is beautiful,” reflecting the deep affection for a couple facing Alzheimer’s with unwavering love and courage. For more information on Alzheimer’s support, visit alzheimers.org.uk or call 0333 150 3456.