Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at age 61. In response, her husband Martin Frizell quit his job at ITV in 2024 to care for his wife Fiona Phillips full-time. Since Fiona's diagnosis, Martin Frizell has been fighting for improved government policy to support people with Alzheimer's and their families. He has taken his advocacy public, appearing on Lorraine Kelly's show to discuss Fiona's condition. While traveling to Scotland for his podcast tour, Martin Frizell was asked about Fiona by well-wishers. The specific policy changes he is advocating for regarding Alzheimer's support have not been detailed, and it is unclear what response or actions the government has taken to his calls for reform.
Martin Frizell has battled slipping into depression while caring for Fiona. To cope, he finds respite in work, including broadcasting and podcasting. He feels guilty when he is away from Fiona for work. The current medical prognosis or stage of Fiona Phillips' Alzheimer's disease remains unknown, as does how her condition has specifically worsened over the past four years.
Very touched by many nice comments from folk asking about Fiona whilst I’m on our short Tartan Noir Scottish tour so here’s a picture of what she’s up to in my absence - she’s changed Magnum flavours! This was Fiona out in the London sunshine this week and Almond has been replaced by the white chocolate version. Simple pleasures but a highlight of the day.
Fiona Phillips no longer remembers holidays like Valentine's Day, Christmas, or New Year. Martin Frizell shared a new image of Fiona Phillips taken on February 10. In a social media update, Martin Frizell expressed being touched by inquiries about Fiona during his travels, posting a photo of her enjoying a Magnum ice cream during a walk in London. He wrote that she had switched from almond to white chocolate flavor, calling it a simple pleasure and a highlight of her day.
Martin Frizell helped write Fiona Phillips' memoir, Remember When. He shared a photo on Instagram of Fiona Phillips enjoying a Magnum ice cream during a walk in London. The details of Frizell's current work in broadcasting and podcasting, such as specific projects or platforms, have not been elaborated upon. His efforts to balance caregiving with professional life continue as he advocates for greater awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer's.
She doesn't remember Valentine's Day, she doesn't remember Christmas now, she doesn't remember New Year's. It's wretched... not just for her but for the family as well. She's still there, but day by day, we can see it slipping away - and just to sit there and see this person who was, as you know was the most dynamic, bubbly, and had so much pride in how she dressed and what she did - it's just a loss of dignity... People do ask, 'Are you okay?' and I used to say, 'It's not me, don't worry about me', but I am conscious that I've never been a depressive person but I can slip into that. My respite is work, I've gone back to broadcasting, and podcasting... but I still feel guilty, I feel guilty being here [away from Fiona].