Martin Frizell recently posted a photo of his wife, Fiona Phillips, who is living with Alzheimer’s, and gave an update on how she’s doing.
Oh my gosh, you guys, I’m losing it! The ex-editor of This Morning – can you believe it?! – just shared the cutest picture of his wife! She’s 65 and absolutely glowing, rocking a fabulous fur jacket and sunglasses while they were out and about in London. He’s 67, and they just look SO happy together! I’m obsessed with them!
Fiona was 61 years old when she received a diagnosis of a serious, incurable brain disease that gradually affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
For the past four years, since receiving her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Martin has been advocating for better government support for those living with the disease and their families.
Martin shared a funny story online, posting a picture with the caption: ‘I had to choose between getting a dog and buying a jacket that looks like a dog…’
The paperback edition of Fiona’s book is being released this week, and it includes a new chapter with the latest updates. Sadly, there’s still been no government response to the issue of Alzheimer’s since I last discussed it over the summer.
Fans flooded the comments section with positive messages for Martin, expressing their joy at seeing Fiona’s face again after many years since she hosted GMTV, the ITV Breakfast Show.
These messages express how much the sender misses their friend Fiona. They fondly remember her cheerful personality, always smiling and greeting people while out walking or getting coffee. They send her love and hope she is doing okay.
So many lovely comments! People are saying the coat looks great and very warm. There’s lots of love being sent to the person in the photo and their family, especially admiring their beautiful smile. One person shared that they’ve been personally affected by dementia for twenty years, as both their parents and sister have been diagnosed, and they wish there had been more progress in support and care. They’re sending their love to everyone.
Martin shared a recent photo and spoke candidly about how difficult his wife’s illness has been. He appeared on Lorraine to urge the government to increase efforts in finding a cure.
He appeared on Lorraine Kelly’s show to share news about Fiona’s health after her diagnosis.
After a decade leading ITV, Martin stepped down in 2024 to spend more time with his wife, Fiona. He also assisted her in writing her memoir, titled Remember When.
Martin shared that caring for Fiona as her health declined led to him struggling with depression, and he felt helpless as she gradually got sicker.
He updated Lorraine with a recent picture of Fiona, taken on February 10th, and sadly shared that she’s lost her memories of special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s.
‘It’s wretched… not just for her but for the family as well.
She’s still with us, but her spirit is fading a little more each day. It’s heartbreaking to watch someone who was once so lively, proud, and full of life lose their sense of self and dignity.
People often ask how I’m doing, and I used to brush it off, saying I was fine and not to worry. But I’ve realized that while I haven’t always struggled with depression, I can sometimes fall into those feelings.
I find peace in working – I’ve returned to radio and podcasting – but I still struggle with guilt being away from Fiona.
Martin shared how Fiona was bravely battling her declining health, admiring her strong will and determination.
I don’t want anyone to think she’s unwell or losing it – she’s very much still herself. She’s still incredibly stubborn, and she’s still active around the house,” the broadcaster explained.
We often play Rod Stewart for her because she used to be a reporter who interviewed him, and they became friends. He even called her Doris! I think she’d do really well on Rochelle and Marvin Humes’ show, The Hit List, since she knows all the songs.
Martin criticized the government’s lack of effort in finding a cure for the disease, and specifically called out Health Secretary Wes Streeting for not doing enough.
He observed that since Fiona’s book came out in July 2025, he hadn’t heard anyone talking about Alzheimer’s disease.
Okay, so listen, I’ve been following this whole thing, and it’s driving me crazy! He was SO right to call it out. He said that ever since he mentioned her book, nobody – and I mean nobody – has talked about Alzheimer’s! And he specifically asked where Wes Streeting is on this, because honestly, there’s been absolutely nothing from him about it. It’s like they’re deliberately avoiding the issue, and it’s infuriating! He’s just trying to get them to focus on what really matters.
When Wes Streeting took office, one of his initial actions was to eliminate existing targets for Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Charities and experts are questioning the funding disparity between cancer research and Alzheimer’s/dementia research. Cancer research often receives up to ten times more funding than research into Alzheimer’s and dementia.
She expressed a wish that her mother’s illness had been cancer, as there are treatments available. Initially, her mother was given the same medication she had received twenty years prior.
‘There’s new American drugs but they won’t pay for it due to ‘cost benefit analysis’.’
This followed Martin sharing the one phrase you should avoid saying to people with dementia, after a ‘Good Morning Britain’ star received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
As someone who’s spent years helping families navigate tough times, I was really struck by something Martin shared in his book. He talked about the biggest lesson he learned while caring for his wife through her illness, and honestly, it’s advice I think anyone facing a similar situation with a loved one – dealing with a condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s – could really use. It’s about finding strength and grace in the face of a heartbreaking journey.
Experts advise against correcting someone with Alzheimer’s when they’re mistaken, but it’s incredibly hard not to try and reason with them in the moment, especially when you’re hoping to reach them.
‘What am I supposed to say when she says: ‘You’re not my husband!’?
It’s heartbreaking to see Fiona struggling, of course, but I honestly don’t take anything she says to heart anymore. I know it’s not her speaking—it’s the illness that’s changed her, and it’s that which is doing the talking, not the Fiona I know and love.
Martin explained that when communicating with someone who has dementia, it’s best to avoid saying ‘no’. It’s more helpful to respond in a different way.
He believes that it’s best to keep up rapport — even if it’s uncomfortable — to stay connected.
He said: ‘The textbooks say to never argue with a dementia patient.
He went on to explain that even before she got sick, it was impossible to win an argument with Fiona, so they just went along with whatever she said.
The couple share their home with their two sons, Nathaniel, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, who often have to cope with their mother’s frightening false beliefs. One instance involved Martin having to act as if he’d secretly taken his wife away from her parents.
He told This Morning: ‘Fiona and I leave as if I am taking her home.
As we walked around the block, she angrily told me she’d never forgive me for deceiving her, and people on the street couldn’t help but stare. When we got home, she acted as if she hadn’t seen Mackenzie in ages, greeting him with great enthusiasm.
Martin admitted that while he’d anticipated his wife’s diagnosis as she became more withdrawn and anxious, receiving the official news was still ‘awful’.
He explained that roughly 70,000 people are living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and resources to support them are limited.
Our family is coping as best we can, but we’ll likely need more help at some point, and right now, there aren’t any resources available to us.
‘You become kind of invisible’, he told the Telegraph in a recent interview.
It breaks my heart to read that he described how simply mentioning Alzheimer’s or dementia would deeply upset her, because she was so aware of what the future held. She knew where things were headed, and it was devastating for both of them.
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2026-02-11 15:20