“DAY BY DAY, WE CAN SEE HER SLIPPING AWAY” — MARTIN FRIZELL’S HEARTBREAKING UPDATE ON WIFE FIONA PHILLIPS’ ALZHEIMER’S BATTLE

The former GMTV presenter’s husband has opened up about the devastating changes caused by her early-onset Alzheimer’s, revealing how the illness is affecting their family.

For decades, Fiona Phillips was one of Britain’s most familiar television faces, bringing warmth and energy to millions of viewers through her work on GMTV.

Today, the former presenter is facing a very different chapter of her life.

Her husband, television producer Martin Frizell, has spoken emotionally about the impact of her early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the pain of watching the woman he has loved for decades gradually change.

In an interview on ITV’s Lorraine in February 2026, Martin revealed that Fiona no longer remembers some important family occasions, including Valentine’s Day, Christmas and New Year.

“It’s wretched; not just for her but for the family as well,” he said.

“She’s still there, but day by day, we can see it slipping away.”

THE WOMAN HE LOVES IS STILL THERE

Martin explained that one of the most difficult parts of the illness is watching Fiona lose some of the independence and personality traits that once defined her everyday life.

He remembered her as a dynamic, bubbly woman who took great pride in her appearance and career.

Despite the changes, he was keen to make clear that Fiona remains 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,” he said.

He affectionately described her as still being “the world’s most stubborn woman”.

A FAMILY HISTORY THAT MADE THE DIAGNOSIS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT

Fiona’s diagnosis was particularly painful because both of her parents had also developed Alzheimer’s disease.

She initially believed that symptoms such as anxiety, exhaustion and brain fog might be connected to menopause.

However, doctors confirmed in early 2022 that she was experiencing early-onset Alzheimer’s. She later revealed the diagnosis publicly in 2023.

Martin has previously discussed the couple’s concerns about whether the condition was inherited.

He explained that medical testing did not establish that Fiona’s illness was directly genetic, although her family history may have made her more predisposed to developing it.

MARTIN HAS ALSO STRUGGLED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

While much of the attention has focused on Fiona’s health, Martin has admitted that caring for his wife has taken an emotional toll on him too.

He previously spoke about trying to avoid slipping into depression and feeling guilty whenever work took him away from home.

The couple have two sons, Nathaniel and Mackenzie, and have been married since 1997.

Martin stepped away from his role as editor of ITV’s This Morning in December 2024, explaining that his family priorities were expected to change.

He has since spoken openly about the importance of support for families affected by dementia.

A HUSBAND’S HOPE FOR MORE RESEARCH

Martin has repeatedly called for greater investment in Alzheimer’s research and better support for people living with the condition.

Fiona has also documented her experience in the memoir Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, written with support from her husband.

Although Alzheimer’s remains a progressive condition with no cure, researchers continue to investigate treatments and ways to improve the lives of patients and their families.

For Martin, the challenge is deeply personal.

He is watching someone he has shared nearly three decades with navigate a condition that affects memory, independence and everyday life.

And while the future remains uncertain, his message is that Fiona is still very much part of their family — still loved, still cherished and still herself in so many ways.