Martin Frizell, husband of TV presenter Fiona Phillips, has opened up about the emotional toll of watching his wife live with Alzheimer’s, three years after she was diagnosed with the disease.
Fiona, 64, publicly revealed her condition in 2022, describing Alzheimer’s as something that had “ravaged” her family for generations. Both of her parents had battled the illness before she heartbreakingly added, “And now it has come for me.”
On March 30, Mother’s Day in the UK, Martin took to Instagram to post a moving update, sharing one of his favourite photos of Fiona. The picture, taken four years ago, shows her smiling warmly and waving at the camera — a moment, he says, from just before her symptoms began.
He wrote that if Mother’s Day is tough for anyone, they’re not alone. Reflecting on the memory, Martin described it as his “favourite picture of a wonderful mum,” urging people to focus on the good times.
In a follow-up post, he shared a photo of a glass award Fiona received in 2007 when she was named “Mum of the Year.” Martin noted that in their household, this meant far more than any BAFTA, NTA, or broadcasting accolade. It was a reminder of the kind of mother Fiona has always been — devoted, loving, and central to their family.
Fiona and Martin have two sons, Nat and Mackenzie, both now in their twenties. While Fiona has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, her battle with Alzheimer’s continues to resonate with many, especially those facing similar struggles with loved ones.
In February, it was announced that Fiona is currently working on a memoir titled Remember When. The book is being written with the support of her husband Martin and close friend, journalist Allison Phillips. It will be published by Pan Macmillan and is expected to be released in July 2025.
According to the publisher, Remember When will be a deeply honest and emotional memoir, capturing Fiona’s experiences while also offering insight into life with Alzheimer’s — a disease that touches so many families.
