“SHE’S STILL VERY MUCH WITH US” — FIONA PHILLIPS’ HUSBAND SHARES A HEARTBREAKING UPDATE ABOUT HER ALZHEIMER’S JOURNEY

The former GMTV presenter’s husband, Martin Frizell, has offered a deeply personal glimpse into their family life, sharing both the painful changes brought by Alzheimer’s and the familiar spirit he still sees in the woman he loves.

For years, Fiona Phillips was a familiar face on British breakfast television, welcoming viewers into their mornings as one of GMTV’s best-known presenters.

Today, her life looks very different.

Fiona, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, has been living with a progressive condition that has increasingly affected her memory. Her husband, Martin Frizell, has spoken openly about the emotional impact on their family, while continuing to remind people that the woman they love is still very much present in their everyday lives.

In February 2026, Martin shared an update during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, offering a glimpse into the challenges Fiona faces while emphasising that many familiar aspects of her personality remain.

“She’s still very much with us,” he explained, describing her as the same stubborn woman he has known for years.

It was a message filled with love, but also an acknowledgement of the difficult reality facing families affected by dementia.

The memories that have become harder to hold on to

Martin has previously described how Fiona’s condition has affected her ability to remember important dates and family celebrations.

In February, he explained that she no longer remembered occasions such as Christmas and New Year in the way she once had.

For the family, these changes have made ordinary moments more complicated. Activities that once required little thought can now bring confusion and stress, while the progression of the illness presents new challenges for both Fiona and the people supporting her.

Martin has spoken candidly about the emotional toll, acknowledging that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can affect the whole family.

Yet he has also been careful to describe Fiona as a person first, rather than allowing the illness to define her entirely.

Her humour, personality and familiar determination remain important parts of the way her loved ones remember and experience her.

A photograph that offered a glimpse of everyday life

In July 2026, Martin shared another rare photograph of Fiona smiling as she enjoyed breakfast.

The image offered followers a quiet glimpse into a private family moment, away from television studios and public appearances.

Alongside the photograph, Martin renewed his call for stronger support for people living with Alzheimer’s and the families caring for them. He also highlighted the need for meaningful improvements in dementia care and long-term support.

His message reflected a concern he has raised repeatedly: families should not have to navigate such a demanding condition without adequate help.

For many followers, the photograph was a reminder that even as Alzheimer’s changes daily life, moments of connection and happiness remain meaningful.

A husband determined to speak out

Fiona and Martin have been married since 1997 and have two sons, Nathaniel and Mackenzie.

Martin stepped away from his long-standing role as editor of ITV’s This Morning in 2024, saying his family priorities were changing. He has since spoken publicly about the realities of caring for Fiona and the need for greater investment in Alzheimer’s research.

Fiona has also shared her experiences through her memoir, Remember When, helping bring greater attention to the personal impact of the disease.

Her story is especially poignant because both of her parents also lived with Alzheimer’s. Martin has discussed how that family history made the diagnosis particularly difficult to process.

Through interviews and personal updates, the couple have helped show that dementia affects far more than memory. It can reshape routines, relationships and the responsibilities carried by loved ones.

Beyond the headlines, a life filled with love

Fiona’s story is not simply about the television career that made her famous or the illness that changed her life.

It is also about a family learning to navigate an uncertain future, a husband determined to support his wife, and the importance of recognising the person behind a diagnosis.

Martin’s words — that Fiona is still very much with them — capture that message with remarkable simplicity.

Alzheimer’s has brought painful changes, and the road ahead remains uncertain. But his updates also show why continued support, better care and more research matter to families facing the same experience.

For those who remember Fiona from their television screens, the sight of her smiling in a simple breakfast photograph offers a reason to send their best wishes.

And for Martin, the commitment remains clear: to stand beside the woman he loves while continuing to speak up for other families navigating the difficult journey of dementia.