Martin Frizell Shares New Photo and Update on Wife Fiona Phillips' Alzheimer's Battle
Martin Frizell, the former editor of ITV's This Morning, has shared a new photograph of his wife Fiona Phillips and provided a heartfelt update on her ongoing struggle with Alzheimer's disease. The 67-year-old broadcaster posted a smiling picture of his 65-year-old wife wearing a furry jacket and sunglasses during a recent outing in London.
Early Diagnosis and Progressive Condition
Fiona Phillips was just 61 years old when she received her Alzheimer's diagnosis, a progressive and incurable brain disorder that leads to significant decline in memory, thinking capabilities, and behavioural patterns. In the four years since her diagnosis, Martin has become an outspoken advocate for improved government policies to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
Alongside the photograph, Martin wrote: 'So it was a choice, either get a dog or a jacket that looks like a dog. Paperback version of Fiona's book out this week with a new chapter updating where we've reached and still zero government action on Alzheimer's since I last spoke in the summer.'
Supportive Responses and Public Reaction
The post attracted numerous supportive messages from fans who remembered Fiona from her years hosting ITV's breakfast show GMTV. Comments included:
- 'Missing you my lovely friend'
- 'Ahh beautiful Fiona, tell her it looks lovely! Sending love'
- 'Lovely to see her wee face again, she was always smiling'
- 'I've been dealing with this condition for past twenty years with both my parents and sister all having a dementia diagnosis. Very little governmental change in that time sadly. Sending love to you all.'
Worsening Symptoms and Emotional Toll
Martin recently appeared on Lorraine Kelly's television programme to discuss the 'wretched' effects of his wife's condition. He revealed that Fiona no longer remembers significant occasions including Valentine's Day, Christmas, or New Year's celebrations.
'It's wretched... not just for her but for the family as well,' Martin explained. 'She's still there, but day by day, we can see it slipping away - and just to sit there and see this person who was, as you know was the most dynamic, bubbly, and had so much pride in how she dressed and what she did - it's just a loss of dignity.'
The broadcaster admitted to battling depression while caring for his wife, noting that work has become his respite. Martin quit his position at ITV after a decade to spend more time with Fiona and helped write her memoir, Remember When.
Government Criticism and Funding Disparities
Martin strongly criticised the government's approach to Alzheimer's research and support, specifically targeting Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting. He noted that since Fiona's book was published in July 2025, there has been minimal political discussion about Alzheimer's.
'Since I last spoke about her book, nobody has spoken about Alzheimer's. Wes Streeting - where is he on this? There's been nothing,' Martin stated. 'One of the first things Wes Streeting did when he came in was cancel targets for diagnosing Alzheimer's. All the charities and all the experts are asking why.'
He highlighted significant funding disparities, noting that cancer research receives up to ten times more funding than Alzheimer's and dementia studies. Martin expressed frustration that new American drugs aren't being funded due to 'cost benefit analysis' considerations.
Practical Advice for Dementia Care
In Fiona's book, Martin shared crucial advice for those caring for dementia patients, emphasising that one should never say 'no' or challenge incorrect statements made by someone with Alzheimer's.
'The textbooks say to never argue with a dementia patient,' Martin explained. 'Although, even before the illness you could never win an argument with Fiona, so we play along.'
He described how the family sometimes must participate in Fiona's delusions to maintain connection, including pretending to smuggle her away from her parents during particularly difficult episodes.
Family Support and Systemic Challenges
The couple lives with their two sons, Nathaniel (26) and Mackenzie (23), who also navigate their mother's challenging symptoms. Martin noted the lack of systemic support for families dealing with early-onset Alzheimer's.
'You realise that there are around 70,000 people who have early-onset Alzheimer's and there is not a lot of help out there,' he said. 'As a family we are just kind of left to get through it and at some point we will need more support but there's just nothing really. You become kind of invisible.'
Despite the progressive nature of the disease, Martin noted that Fiona remains 'very much with us' and maintains her characteristic stubbornness. The family plays Rod Stewart music for her, as the singer became friends with Fiona during her reporting career and affectionately called her 'Doris'.
