In a deeply emotional interview on Loose Women, Martin Frizell, husband of beloved television presenter Fiona Phillips, delivered a heart-wrenching update on her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, admitting, “I’m about to say goodbye to her.” Fiona, diagnosed at 61 in 2022, has faced a relentless decline, and Martin’s candid revelations about her “horrible” current phase have left fans and viewers devastated. The former GMTV star’s journey, marked by her vibrant career and warm presence, has taken a tragic turn as Alzheimer’s reshapes their lives.

Fiona Phillips, 64, was a household name, known for her work on GMTV, This Morning, and Loose Women. Her diagnosis came as a shock, given her relatively young age, and sent ripples through the UK’s media landscape. Martin, 66, a former ITV executive, stepped back from his career to become Fiona’s primary caregiver, a role he has embraced with unwavering devotion. The couple, married since 1997 and parents to two sons, have faced the disease’s challenges together, documenting their experiences in their bestselling memoir, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, which recently reached number four on the Sunday Times bestsellers list.

Speaking on Loose Women in August 2025, Martin shared the painful reality of Fiona’s condition. “It’s a horrible phase,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I’m about to say goodbye to her, in a way, because the Fiona I knew is fading.” He described how Alzheimer’s has stripped away her ability to perform simple tasks like brushing her teeth or washing her hair independently. “She can do these things physically, but she doesn’t know how to start or what to use,” Martin explained. “I put toothpaste on her brush, wash her hair, make sure she’s safe. She fights it, though—she’s still so stubborn.” This resistance, he noted, is a flicker of Fiona’s fiery spirit, but it also underscores the disease’s cruelty.

Martin highlighted small victories, noting improvements in Fiona’s mood due to new antidepressant medication. “She’s sleeping better, eating better, and there’s less confusion,” he said, but the progress is bittersweet. Fiona’s frustration peaks when watching television, a reminder of the career she loved. “She gets anxious, almost frightened, because she can’t do what she used to,” Martin shared. “She’ll see presenters on screen and get upset that she’s not working.” These moments are particularly heart-wrenching for Martin, who has spent decades in television himself, producing shows like This Morning.

The couple’s memoir has resonated widely, offering a raw look at Alzheimer’s impact. Martin recounted how they spend hours flipping through photo albums, listening to music by The Police or Sting, moments that briefly reconnect Fiona to her past. “She smiles, and it’s like seeing her again,” he said, sharing a favorite photo from a TV shoot that captured her vitality. The book’s success, Martin noted on Instagram, has lifted Fiona’s spirits, with fans’ support providing a rare bright spot. “She wants to thank everyone who’s shown interest in her story,” he wrote. “It’s really helped her.”

Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, affects over 5 million people in the US alone, with early-onset cases like Fiona’s accounting for roughly 4%. The disease’s progressive nature means caregivers like Martin face increasing demands. He admitted the toll it takes: “Some days, I’m exhausted, but I can’t imagine not being there for her.” He emphasized the importance of preventing health complications, like tooth infections, which could worsen Fiona’s vulnerability. “It’s about keeping her healthy, keeping her with us as long as we can,” he said.

Fans have flooded social media with support, many sharing their own Alzheimer’s stories. Posts on X reflect a collective grief, with one user writing, “Fiona’s smile lit up our mornings. This breaks my heart.” Others praised Martin’s dedication, calling him “a true partner in every sense.” The Loose Women panel, visibly moved, offered resources for viewers, directing them to Alzheimer’s support organizations.

As Fiona’s condition progresses, Martin remains her anchor, navigating the balance between hope and heartbreak. The investigation into Alzheimer’s treatments continues, with recent studies offering glimmers of hope, but for now, Martin and Fiona face each day with love and resilience. Their story, shared through tears and triumphs, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of Alzheimer’s and the power of unwavering devotion.