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Fiona Phillips, 64, reveals she ‘blocked out’ memories of Strictly because she was ‘traumatised’ by Brendan Cole – as husband Martin Frizell issues update on her Alzheimer’s diagnosis

BBG News

Fiona Phillips shared that she intentionally suppressed memories from her participation in Strictly Come Dancing in 2005, as the experience with dance partner Brendan Cole left her feeling deeply distressed.

The 64-year-old broadcaster looked back on her life and career, following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2022, when she was only 61 years old.

In a segment from her forthcoming memoir titled “Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s,” she described her experience on the BBC program, revealing her emotions when clips of Brendan arguing and cursing at her during rehearsals were replayed during the show’s investigation into bullying.

Fiona wrote: ‘He was observing my dance moves and commenting, “It’s terrible, it needs improvement!” Then I asked him to quiet down and felt mortified, fearing I looked utterly foolish.’

Fiona wrote: ‘He watched as I danced and remarked, “That’s awful, it requires work!” At that point, I pleaded with him to lower his voice, feeling embarrassed and afraid of appearing ridiculous.’

In a video, you can be heard telling the camera operator that Brendan appears to be gazing at you as if he’s accidentally stepped into something.

I can’t seem to recall many details from that period – perhaps my mind has suppressed it, as what I do remember is an overwhelming feeling of intense distress.

Fiona continued: ‘I was on the brink of tears most of the time and felt utterly exhausted.

As I twirled across the dance floor, performing the passionate Paso Doble with Brendan, my mind would wander, “Here I am, all glammed up for this competition, when just yesterday I was putting Mum into a care home. What on earth is the purpose of it all?

Instead of keeping it to myself, I ought to have shared with the team, including Brendan, about my struggles, but I didn’t. Instead, I pressed forward. To put it another way, I continued despite the difficulties, and at times, I even tripped up.

Fortunately, even though I’m not sure Brendan felt the same way, our team was eliminated in week four. The end came on Bonfire Night. Oh, what a sense of relief!

Luckily for us, although Brendan might have had a different perspective, we got voted off during week four. It wrapped up on Bonfire Night. What a load off that felt like!

2018 saw Brendan’s Strictly contract not being renewed, a development he emotionally shared on Lorraine in January of that year, causing quite a stir.

Fiona later branded his axing ‘karma’. 

TopMob has contacted Brendan’s representatives for comment.  

Over the weekend, Martin Frizell, Fiona’s husband, provided an update on her health status, sharing that she recalled a trip they took together three years ago.

He posted an old photo from Silverstone 2022 showing the two of them getting close to the camera and looking snuggly together.

Martin titled his post: “Recalling delightful moments in Lando’s garage at Silverstone from ’22, best wishes to the adopted son of Today’s Morning show today.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, let me share a delightful moment I experienced recently. I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Lando, and it truly brightened up my day. Rehashing our conversation and the particulars brought an irresistible smile to my face.

After receiving her diagnosis, Fiona disclosed that she had been enrolled in a drug trial aimed at lessening her symptoms. She claims that this treatment seems to be effective for her so far.

Previously, during an interview with Women&Home magazine, Fiona mentioned that she is currently participating in a medical study, and so far, the results appear promising.

I’m participating in an innovative study aimed at discovering a potential cure. This study uses a novel drug as well as a placebo, and I’m unaware which one I’ve been given.

During my six-month examination in October, they performed cognitive assessments to determine my current cognitive state. The results indicated that my cognitive abilities were consistent with where they were the previous year.

I’m optimistic that the medication is keeping the condition stable. I wouldn’t prefer being part of the study, but I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity.

I’m taking part in this experiment because there might be potential dangers like internal bleeding, but there’s also a strong possibility that it could bring about positive results.

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

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2025-07-07 12:34

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