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Fiona Phillips, 64, and husband Martin Frizell, 66, details worrying fears their sons Nathaniel, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, would inherit Alzheimer’s after TV star’s diagnosis

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Fiona Phillips and her spouse, Martin Frizell, have shared their anxious moments when they contemplated the possibility that their sons, Nathaniel (age 26) and Mackenzie (age 23), might develop Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2022, when he was only 61 years old, the ex-host of GMTV was diagnosed with a degenerative brain condition.

Initially, when Fiona and Martin, aged 66, received the news about her condition, they wondered if the illness could be genetic and potentially affect their sons.

Following a genetic examination, Fiona and Martin were comforted to learn that their sons would not likely inherit the illness.

From an exclusive sneak peek of her forthcoming memoir titled “Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s,” Martin revealed: ‘We discussed and consulted Fiona’s doctor about the possibility that she might have inherited the disease from her parents.’

As an ardent admirer, I found myself deeply concerned when she decided to undergo a genetic test. If she were a carrier of the Alzheimer’s gene, there was a potential risk that her sons would inherit it as well. This prospect, in turn, could lead them to consider In-Vitro Fertilization if they desired children, as a means to disrupt this genetic lineage.

‘Thankfully, the test was negative.’

He stated: ‘This implied that she didn’t possess the specific gene, thus the boys wouldn’t inherit it either. However, the doctor noted that she showed a strong tendency towards developing Alzheimer’s.’

It’s not completely clear to me what he was trying to convey. I find it puzzling how someone can have a predisposition towards a specific illness if it isn’t due to some genetic factor that dictates it.

However, he reassured me that this situation applied to Fiona. Although her risk of contracting the disease was significantly greater, it didn’t necessarily imply she would transmit it to her kids.

A couple of months had passed when we shared the news with them. By that time, she had become increasingly reserved and forgetful, which they understood was connected to her numerous medical check-ups at the hospital.

Instead of shocking them suddenly with bad news, I chose to gently hint at the fact that something was amiss over time.

When the time arrived and I uttered the fearsome term ‘Alzheimer’s’, I believe they had anticipated it – despite how terrible such news might be.

‘They were just heartbroken for their mum, though she didn’t want to make a big fuss about it all. 

‘She managed to push it aside mentally, causing the discussion to shift swiftly to another topic. Incredibly enough, that’s exactly what happened.’

Elsewhere in the memoir, Martin gave a heartbreaking confession on his wife’s condition.

Martin tearfully acknowledged that the family is gradually bidding farewell to the woman they cherish deeply, as she is about to be taken by the illness.

Martin shared that he and his sons are experiencing a prolonged sorrow as they witness the gradual decline of something precious, much like a shining celestial body losing its luster over time.

Gradually, it [Alzheimer’s] erases everything. Over time, not even the brightest and most radiant stars – like Fiona – can escape its relentless erasure, he penned.

He stated that after Fiona was no longer handling it, tasks such as organizing bank accounts, utility bills, hospital appointments, cleaning clothes, doing laundry, managing parking permits, grocery shopping, cooking, keeping the house clean – essentially everything I had previously overlooked because Fiona took care of it (in addition to her own career) – suddenly fell on me, in addition to my full-time job.

‘It was knackering. There were times I felt drained, physically and emotionally. 

Beyond the strain we’re already experiencing, my friends and I find ourselves in a prolonged state of heartache – bidding farewell, albeit gradually, to the woman we cherish.

In their memoir, the couple, who got married in 1997 and have two kids together, disclosed that their marriage was struggling due to Fiona’s unrecognized fight against an illness at the time.

Fiona explained: ‘My marriage was coming under increasing strain.

It’s quite possible that the illness played a role, although we didn’t realize it then. Over time, I found myself growing increasingly detached from Martin and the children.

He’d express his concern by saying, “You seem disconnected from our family and our relationship,” to which I’d respond defensively, “That’s completely unfounded!

To be completely forthright, I believe his perspective held merit. Frankly, I found myself devoid of the vigor to engage in anything at that moment.

It wasn’t until one evening when Martin declared his intention to leave that I truly understood the depth of his feelings about the matter.

‘”Stop being so ridiculous!'” I yelled. “I’m just worn out. I’m tired – of everything.”

He responded, “You’ve been expressing that thought for a long time,” but perhaps it’s our marriage that’s leaving you feeling exhausted.

Fiona initially crossed paths with Martin while she was hosting GMTV, and he served as its main reporter.

In the whirlwind of our romance, just four short weeks into our relationship, I found myself ready to take the plunge and propose. Our journey led us to the glittering city of Las Vegas, where we exchanged vows in 1997, officially becoming husband and wife.

Previously, he announced his departure from his role as editor of ITV’s This Morning, a position he held for ten years, so that he could spend significantly more time with his wife who is battling Alzheimer’s disease.

In Martin’s own words, he shared that Fiona requires significant assistance due to his recent decision to leave his busy career. This includes helping Fiona bathe, brush her teeth, dress, and generally ensure her safety and comfort.

He clarified: ‘As I pen this down in January 2025, Fiona requires considerable assistance. She can perform tasks like showering and brushing her teeth on her own physically, yet due to current circumstances, she finds it challenging to think through the process.’

As a seasoned lifestyle connoisseur, I find myself responsible for Fiona’s hair care due to her lack of experience in choosing the right shampoo and conditioner, knowing when her tresses should be soaked, and understanding that post-washing, it’s crucial to rinse out every last soap suds.

Most evenings, I’d remind her, “Time for brushing our teeth before sleep,” and I’d squeeze toothpaste onto the toothbrush, then pass it to her.

She remains strongly independent and dislikes the idea of brushing her teeth or being told what to do, often expressing opposition to these actions.

He explained that he couldn’t argue with her objections due to the risk of illness, stating instead: “However, it must be done this way, as the most undesirable outcome would be for her to develop an infection in one of her teeth at a time when she’s already weak.

While Fiona manages to get her clothes on, she often struggles to dress herself properly, so Martin needs to help with this chore, along with other tasks.

‘Although she can manage to put her clothes on, she sometimes struggles with getting dressed correctly. Therefore, she often requires assistance.’

I usually arrange her clothes for the morning, but she has a strong affection for certain garments and often wears them repeatedly.

Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, by Fiona Phillips will be published on July 17.

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2025-07-10 11:19

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