Fiona Phillips' husband reveals devastating moment star, 64, 'didn't recognise their son' amid her battle with Alzheimer's in latest heartbreaking health update
The former GMTV host, 64, who is mother to Nathaniel, 26, and Mackenzie, 23, was diagnosed with the progressive brain disorder in 2022 at the age of just 61.
In Fiona's upcoming memoir Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, Martin shared how the broadcaster became 'terribly distressed' when she could not recognise their eldest son Nat.
In an extract published in The Mirror he penned: 'One weekend, Nat was home from the Army and making tea in the kitchen while Fiona and I sat watching television'.
'She became terribly distressed. "Who's that man in the kitchen?" she asked me. "That's Nat" I said gently. "Our son. He's home for the weekend". She was in such a state that she didn't even seem upset that she had asked the question'.
Martin said that Nat would have been 'devastated' to hear his mother being unable to recognise him, but thankfully he did not.
It comes after Martin, 66, and Fiona detailed the worrying time they feared their sons could inherit Alzheimer's.
When the couple first learned of her diagnosis, they were concerned if the disease was genetic and would strike their sons.
After a genetic test, Fiona and Martin were relieved to discover their boys weren't in danger of inheriting the disease.
In the Mail's exclusive extract from her upcoming memoir, Martin said: 'We did tackle one fear and talked to Fiona's consultant about whether she had inherited the illness from her parents.
'She then had a genetic test, because if she carried the gene for Alzheimer's there was a danger the boys would have it, too, which in turn might mean them thinking about IVF if they wanted children, in order to break the genetic line.
'Thankfully, the test was negative.'
He added: 'That meant she didn't carry the gene so the boys wouldn't either. But the doctor said she was clearly predisposed to Alzheimer's.
'I didn't entirely understand what he meant. How could someone be 'predisposed' to a particular disease if there wasn't something in their genetic make-up that determined it?'.
'But he assured me this was the case. While Fiona's chances of getting the disease had always been a lot higher, that didn't mean she would pass it on to her children.
'A few months later we told the boys what was happening. By then, she was even more withdrawn and forgetful and they knew she'd had a series of hospital appointments.
'Rather than the terrible news landing on them like a bomb, I'd gradually shared with them the sense that something was very wrong.
'When the moment came and I used the dreaded 'Alzheimer's' word, I think they were prepared for it – however awful that news was.
'They were just heartbroken for their mum, though she didn't want to make a big fuss about it all.
'She was able to dismiss it from her mind and so the conversation quickly moved on. It may sound strange, but that is how it was.'
Elsewhere in the memoir, Martin gave a heartbreaking confession on his wife's condition.
Martin emotionally admitted the family are 'slowing saying goodbye to the woman they love', who soon will be 'wiped away' by the disease.
Martin explained how he and their sons are 'enduring a living grief' as they watch the 'glittering star' deteriorate through time.
'Bit by bit, it [Alzheimer's] takes everything. Through time, even the most glamorous, glittering star – such as Fiona was – will be wiped away', he wrote.
He added: 'Sorting the bank accounts, utility direct debits, hospital appointments, clothes, washing, parking permits, shopping, cooking, tidying the house – in fact, all the stuff I took for granted because Fiona dealt with it (as well as her own career) – became my responsibilities, along with a seven-day-a-week job.
'It was knackering. There were times I felt drained, physically and emotionally.
'On top of the stress, the boys and I are enduring a kind of living grief – a slow goodbye to the woman we love.'
In the memoir, the pair - who wed in 1997 and share two children - revealed their marriage was 'falling apart' as a result of Fiona's then undiagnosed battle with the disease.
Fiona explained: 'My marriage was coming under increasing strain.
'I'm sure the disease was at least partly responsible, but at the time neither of us could see it. I just became more and more disconnected from Martin and the boys.
'"You've totally zoned out of our family and our marriage," he would say to me. "Don't be so bloody ridiculous!" I'd yell back.
'But, if I'm honest, I think he was right. I just didn't seem to have the energy for any of it any more.
'I didn't realise quite how seriously Martin felt about it all until one evening he announced he was moving out.
'"Stop being so ridiculous!'" I yelled. "I'm just worn out. I'm tired – of everything."
'"That's what you've been saying for years,'" he replied. "Maybe this – our marriage – is what's making you so tired."'
Fiona first met Martin when she was working on GMTV as a presenter and he was its chief correspondent.
He later popped the question after they had been dating for just four weeks, before they went to Las Vegas to tie the knot in 1997.
Last year, he revealed he was stepping down as editor of ITV's This Morning after 10 years in charge, in order to be 'around much more' for his wife during her Alzheimer's battle.
Having turned his back on his prolific job, in his own candid words, Martin revealed Fiona now needs 'a lot of help', with his care extending to showering Fiona, brushing her teeth, dressing her and ultimately 'making her feel as safe as possible'.
He explained: 'It is January 2025 as I write this, and Fiona needs a lot of help. She needs help showering and brushing her teeth. She can do these things physically, but is unable now to think about how she should do them...
'I wash Fiona's hair because she wouldn't know what shampoo or conditioner to use or how wet her hair needs to be or that she must rinse the soap suds out afterwards...
'And most nights I'll say, 'Right, we need to brush our teeth before we go to bed,' and I'll put the toothpaste on the brush and hand it to her...
Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, by Fiona Phillips will be published on July 17.
What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, in which build-up of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die.
This disrupts the transmitters that carry messages, and causes the brain to shrink.
More than 5 million people suffer from the disease in the US, where it is the 6th leading cause of death, and more than 1 million Britons have it.
WHAT HAPPENS?
As brain cells die, the functions they provide are lost.
That includes memory, orientation and the ability to think and reason.
The progress of the disease is slow and gradual.
On average, patients live five to seven years after diagnosis, but some may live for ten to 15 years.
EARLY SYMPTOMS:
Loss of short-term memory
Disorientation
Behavioral changes
Mood swings
Difficulties dealing with money or making a phone call
LATER SYMPTOMS:
Severe memory loss, forgetting close family members, familiar objects or places
Becoming anxious and frustrated over inability to make sense of the world, leading to aggressive behavior
Eventually lose ability to walk
May have problems eating
The majority will eventually need 24-hour care
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44 minutes ago
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Health officials are urging Brits to be on high alert for the symptoms of salmonella infection, which can last anywhere from four to seven days. The most common signs include diarrhoea — which may be watery and occasionally contain blood or mucus — stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and chills. These symptoms can vary in intensity, but even mild cases can leave people feeling drained. In more serious instances, the illness can lead to severe dehydration, particularly in infants, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems. Some sufferers may go on to develop reactive arthritis, a painful condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints, or even enteric fever — a rare but dangerous form of the illness that brings on high fever, exhaustion and severe sickness requiring urgent antibiotic treatment. While most people recover without medical intervention, doctors advise seeking help if symptoms are severe or don't improve after a few days, if there's blood in the stool, or if signs of dehydration — such as dizziness or reduced urination — are present. Anyone preparing fresh produce like tomatoes is reminded to wash them thoroughly, store them properly, and follow general food hygiene guidance to reduce the risk of infection. Treatment There is no specific treatment for most cases of salmonella infection, as it usually clears up on its own within a week. The primary focus is on staying hydrated, especially if diarrhoea and vomiting are severe, to prevent dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths is essential. In some cases, doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like fever and cramps, but antibiotics are generally not prescribed unless the infection is severe, spreads beyond the intestines, or affects high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. If complications like enteric fever or reactive arthritis develop, more intensive medical treatment, including antibiotics or specialist care, may be required. Anyone experiencing serious symptoms or prolonged illness should seek medical advice promptly to ensure proper care and avoid complications. Prevention Preventing salmonella largely comes down to good hygiene and safe food practices. Experts say there are several simple steps that can dramatically reduce your risk of infection. Always thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the correct internal temperature, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Handwashing is crucial — especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, handling raw produce or meat, and before preparing or eating food. When travelling, stick to bottled or properly treated water, particularly in countries where sanitation may be poor. Avoid ice cubes or uncooked foods that may have been rinsed in contaminated water. While there's no vaccine for general salmonella, typhoid fever — a severe form of salmonella — can be prevented through vaccination, which is recommended for travellers heading to high-risk areas. Taking these precautions can help you avoid getting seriously ill — and stop the spread of infection to others. 2 Do I have food poisoning? Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. It's hard to miss the symptoms, which include: Feeling sick (nausea) Diarrhoea Being sick (vomiting) Stomach cramps A high temperature of 38C or above Feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks How to treat food poisoning You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The symptoms usually pass within a week. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. You should also see a doctor if along with other symptoms you have high fever, blood in your stool, or feel dehydrated or unable to keep any food or liquid down. Make sure you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. Source: NHS
