Fiona Phillips’ husband has shared a poignant update on the former GMTV presenter’s health as she continues to battle early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Phillips, 64, was diagnosed with the condition in 2022 at the age of 61 and is being cared for by her husband Martin Frizell, 66, the former This Morning editor.
The couple recently released a memoir, Remember When, which chronicles Phillips’ journey with the disease and has reached number one on The Sunday Times bestseller list.
In a heartfelt BBC interview earlier this year, Frizell reflected on the toll Alzheimer’s has taken on their family life.
“I don't think Fiona's ever going to be able to taste a glass of wine again, walk on a beach properly again, go on holiday again, go to the theatre, go to the cinema, drive her car, cook a meal for her children,” he told Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire.
“And my worry is, on her deathbed whenever that may come and hopefully a long time from now, will she even know who we are? There's no remission for Alzheimer's.”
Marking the success of their memoir, Frizell posted an emotional update on Instagram this week, writing: “I'm sitting under a pink awning hence the colour of the Sunday Times Bestsellers list - the chart everyone wants to be on.
“And for the fifth consecutive week, Fiona is on the bestsellers list (she made No1).”
He continued: “She wants to say a massive thank you to everyone who has shown interest in her story, it's really lifted her mood.
“Can I also thank the many folk who have been in touch with their own stories, suggestions of new treatments and memories of Fiona from her working days.”
Frizell also shared a photograph of Phillips taken during a television location shoot.
“I attach my favourite picture of her from a TV location shoot and shows what a force of life and vitality she had,” he shared.
“It's from one of the many photo albums we flick through as we enjoy Sting's essential collection - he's replaced the Stylistics!”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Dementia UK.
