Martin Frizell gave a heartfelt update about his wife Fiona Phillips’ Alzheimer’s battle during a rare appearance on ITV’s Loose Women, offering a glimpse into their daily life since her diagnosis in 2022.
Appearing alongside panelists Jane Moore, Janet Street-Porter, Kelly Brook and Brenda Edwards, the former This Morning editor said: “We’re getting through,” as he described how he, along with their sons Mackenzie and Nathaniel, have formed a tag-team to care for the beloved broadcaster.
“I do mornings, they do evenings,” Martin shared, highlighting the routine they’ve built at home. “We don’t need much more help at the moment.”
He also spoke candidly about Fiona’s reaction to having a carer. “We pretended it was a housekeeper to help ease her in,” he admitted, “but Fiona saw through that. Still, we’re managing, like so many other families.”
When asked what Fiona might say to someone else battling Alzheimer’s, Martin responded, “She’d say, ‘Don’t give up.’ She’d also tell them to have a passion — something to hold on to.”
Martin was visibly moved as he revealed Fiona is now in a “much better place” compared to previous months. Thanks to a new antidepressant, he’s seen noticeable improvement: “She’s sleeping better, eating more, and there’s less confusion.”
Since her diagnosis at age 61, Fiona has retreated from public life. Martin, her husband of nearly three decades, stepped down from This Morning in November 2024 to care for her full time.
