Fiona Phillips and her husband Martin Frizell have shared devastating new details about her battle with Alzheimer’s in an emotional preview from their upcoming book.
The former ITV and Strictly star, now 64, was diagnosed with the disease back in 2022. Although she only went public with the news in 2023, Fiona’s condition has rapidly progressed — and now, Martin is revealing just how much their lives have changed.
In a heartbreaking article published by MailOnline, the couple open up with raw honesty about how Alzheimer’s has stolen so much from Fiona — including her memories, her independence, and even her sense of self.
‘It’s Like Chasing a £5 Note in the Wind’
Fiona compared trying to recall her memories to chasing a “£5 note on a gusty day.” Once known for her quick wit and warm conversation, she now finds even speaking about her own life to be “agonisingly difficult.”
Martin revealed that last year was a turning point — simple things they once enjoyed together became “too difficult” for Fiona. She often asked him: “Where do I go to bed?” as familiar routines slipped away.
Text messages confuse her. Faces and places are increasingly unfamiliar. The smallest tasks, once second nature, now require guidance.
‘I Wish It Had Been Cancer Instead’
In one of the most brutally honest moments, Martin wrote: “Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had contracted cancer instead.” While shocking, he explained it came from a place of pain — because cancer comes with treatment pathways and support, while dementia often feels like an endless, unsupported decline.
Now, Fiona needs help with nearly everything — from brushing her teeth to choosing clothes. Though physically capable, she’s lost the ability to sequence actions or remember how to complete basic tasks.
Martin does her hair, helps her dress, and gently navigates the heartbreaking repetition. “She’ll wear the same clothes again and again. It becomes routine. And yes — it does get worse.”
Secretly Hiring a Carer
Before Christmas 2024, Martin discreetly brought in extra help. He told Fiona he’d hired a “housekeeper,” when in fact, it was a trained carer. He knew Fiona would be “appalled” to know she needed one.
The carer now helps with food, drinks, and daily support — essential, as Fiona can no longer figure out how to make a cup of tea.
There are moments of extreme confusion too. Fiona often asks for her late parents. When Martin tells her they’ve passed, she becomes distressed — accusing him of lying, even yelling: “Get me my husband!”
When he softly reminds her, “I am your husband,” she insists: “No, you’re not.”
‘She Exists Only in the Present’
Martin, although deeply heartbroken, says he doesn’t take it personally — because he knows it’s not truly Fiona speaking. She now lives in a state without past or future, just existing in the moment.
He admits feeling incredibly lonely, a truth he calls “selfish” but inescapable. And while he wishes he could say Fiona is “at peace,” he can’t — she’s “frustrated every single day. And depressed.”
They don’t talk much about the disease anymore — it upsets her too much.
Fiona and Martin’s raw and emotional book Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s is set for release later this month.
