Martin Frizell issued a devastating update on his wife Fiona Phillips’ battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday.
The former This Morning editor revealed that the 65-year-old journalist can no longer recall major occasions, revealing: “She doesn’t remember Valentine’s Day, she doesn’t remember Christmas now, she doesn’t remember New Year’s.”
Describing the situation as “wretched”, Mr Frizell spoke candidly about witnessing his wife’s decline since her diagnosis four years ago at the age of 61.
The update came during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, where he explained: “She’s still there, but day by day, we can see it slipping away.”
Martin Frizell shared a heartbreaking update on Fiona Phillips
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ITV
He heartbreakingly added that watching someone who was once “the most dynamic, bubbly” person lose their dignity has been profoundly difficult for the entire family.
Mr Frizell also shared that caring for his wife has taken a significant toll on his own mental health, acknowledging he has come close to “slipping into a depression”.
“People do ask, ‘Are you okay?’ and I used to say, ‘It’s not me, don’t worry about me’, but I am conscious that I’ve never been a depressive person but I can slip into that,” he explained.
The 67-year-old, who stepped down from his ITV role in 2024 to spend more time with his wife, has found solace in returning to work through broadcasting and podcasting.
Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago
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GETTY
However, he went on to explain that even this brings its own emotional burden.
“I still feel guilty, I feel guilty being here,” he told Ms Kelly, before adding that he had not been away from home for longer than three days in two years.
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Mr Frizell was keen to emphasise that his wife remains very much present in their lives.
“I don’t want to give the impression she’s some sort of basket case as she’s very much with us, she still is the world’s most stubborn woman, and she’s still around the house,” he said.
Martin Frizell used his television appearance to launch a pointed attack on the government’s approach to Alzheimer’s research and support
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ITV
Martin Frizell issued a candid update on Fiona Phillips’ health
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GETTY
During the interview, he shared a new photograph of Ms Phillips taken the previous day, showing her at home eating chocolate.
He noted with affection that she would likely disapprove of the image, believing her hair colour could look better.
Music has become a source of joy for the former GMTV host, with the family regularly playing Rod Stewart songs. The singer befriended Ms Phillips during an interview years ago and nicknamed her Doris.
Mr Frizell used his television appearance to launch a pointed attack on the government’s approach to Alzheimer’s research and support.
He criticised Health Secretary Wes Streeting directly, noting that one of his first actions in office was to cancel targets for diagnosing the disease.
“All the charities and all the experts are saying, ‘why have you done that?'” he said.
The former editor highlighted a stark disparity in funding, claiming cancer research receives up to ten times more money than Alzheimer’s and dementia.
He expressed frustration that when Ms Phillips was first diagnosed, she was prescribed the same medication her mother had received two decades earlier.
