Fiona Phillips spotted for first time in over a year after Alzheimer's diagnosis
Fiona Phillips has been spotted for the first time in over a year, following her decision to step back from public life. The ex-breakfast telly host, 64, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2022 and made her diagnosis public a year later.
She is now preparing to share insights into her health and life post-diagnosis in her forthcoming book, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer's. Fiona has been receiving the support of her husband Martin Frizell, who recently resigned as This Morning boss to dedicate more time to their family.
Martin has assisted her in writing the book, which is set to be published in July. Fiona was last seen in public at the funeral of Kate Garraway's late husband Derek Draper in 2024.
In anticipation of her book's release, Fiona radiated positivity in a new photograph. She is also ready to discuss her gradual memory loss and confusion, along with the early warning signs.
Martin, who has been wedded to Fiona for 26 years, left his ITV role in February to look after Fiona and has also shared his experiences in the book, reports the Mirror.
According to the NHS, Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the UK. Dementia refers to a group of symptoms linked with a continuous decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities.
Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's is still unclear, Fiona has provided insight into her experience with the condition. In her book, she expressed her hope that it would offer a glimpse into what living with Alzheimer's is like, stating: "I hope this book can show people a little about what it is like to live with Alzheimer's.
"How frightening and confusing it is. But also how much life can still bring joy and be valued. And if you or someone you love is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, I hope this book brings you some comfort... you are not alone."
Fiona revealed her diagnosis with early onset dementia in 2023, initially mistaking her symptoms of "brain fog and anxiety" for menopause. She had previously cared for her parents, who also suffered from Alzheimer's.
As a TV presenter, Fiona created documentaries about her family's experience with dementia, including "Mum, Dad, Alzheimer's And Me" in 2009 and "My Family And Alzheimer's" in 2010. She left the TV industry in 2018 due to anxiety, having worked on GMTV from 1993 to 2008 and presented various documentaries and episodes of Panorama.
In November, her husband Martin announced his departure as editor of ITV's This Morning after over a decade in the role. He commented: "Next year I'm expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them.
"I love my team at ITV and will miss them, and the thrill of live telly, but it's an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment, and I won't be able to do both."
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Fiona had said that she gets three daily injections as part of drug trials at University College Hospital in London.
Her stance was clear when she stated: "I've always spoken out about Alzheimer's whether through a book, a documentary or lobbying prime ministers and now that it's turned up on my doorstep I'm not for stopping.
"It's devastated my family and it's the biggest health and social care challenge we face as a country."
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