MARTIN FRIZELL SHARES HEARTBREAKING UPDATE ON WIFE FIONA PHILLIPS’ ALZHEIMER’S BATTLE: “DAY BY DAY, WE CAN SEE IT SLIPPING AWAY”

The former GMTV presenter, 65, is living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her husband has spoken candidly about the changes he has witnessed and the emotional toll the illness has taken on their family.

Martin Frizell has shared an emotional update about his wife, former television presenter Fiona Phillips, revealing the painful reality of watching her live with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Fiona, 65, was diagnosed with the progressive condition after initially believing that symptoms including anxiety and brain fog were related to menopause. She publicly revealed her diagnosis in 2023.

Her husband, television producer Martin Frizell, has since spoken openly about how the illness has affected their family and the woman he has loved for decades.

“DAY BY DAY, WE CAN SEE IT SLIPPING AWAY”

Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine in February 2026, Martin described some of the changes in Fiona’s memory.

He revealed that she no longer remembers important occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and New Year.

“It’s wretched; not just for her but for the family as well,” he said.

He added: “She’s still there, but day by day, we can see it slipping away.”

Martin recalled how Fiona had once been a dynamic, bubbly woman who took great pride in her appearance and professional life.

Seeing the illness gradually affect those familiar parts of her life has been particularly difficult.

However, he was careful to emphasize that Fiona remains present and continues to show the personality her loved ones know.

“I don’t want to give the impression she’s some sort of basket case as she’s very much with us,” he explained, affectionately describing her as still being “the world’s most stubborn woman.”

A DIFFICULT JOURNEY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Martin has also spoken about the emotional challenges of supporting his wife.

He admitted that he has sometimes struggled with his own mental health while trying to remain strong for Fiona.

Returning to broadcasting and podcasting has offered him some respite, although he acknowledged feeling guilty when work takes him away from home.

The couple have been married since 1997 and have two sons, Nathaniel and Mackenzie.

Martin stepped down from his role as editor of ITV’s This Morning in December 2024, explaining that his family priorities were changing.

MUSIC AND MEMORIES STILL BRING MOMENTS OF JOY

Despite the challenges, Martin has shared that music continues to bring moments of happiness into their home.

Songs by Rod Stewart have a special place in their lives. Fiona interviewed the singer during her broadcasting career, and the two became friends.

Martin has also helped Fiona document her experience in her memoir, Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s, published in 2025.

The book offers an intimate account of her diagnosis, her memories and the impact of the disease on the people closest to her.

A CALL FOR GREATER AWARENESS

Martin has repeatedly called for greater investment in Alzheimer’s research and better support for families affected by dementia.

Fiona’s story has also helped highlight that Alzheimer’s is not exclusively an illness of old age. She was diagnosed in her early sixties, after experiencing symptoms that were initially difficult to identify.

For Martin, the hardest part is watching someone he loves experience changes that neither of them can simply wish away.

Yet he continues to emphasize that Fiona is still very much part of their family, sharing moments at home and retaining the personality that has always made her who she is.

Their story is a reminder that Alzheimer’s affects not only the person diagnosed, but also the loved ones who stand beside them through every stage of the journey.