Martin Frizell, husband of TV presenter Fiona Phillips, has opened up about the early signs of her Alzheimer’s that he initially dismissed. Fiona, now 64, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2023. At first, she seemed distant, often “totally zoned out” of their family life and marriage.
Fiona admitted she didn’t recognize how serious things had become until Martin said he was moving out. “I just didn’t have the energy for any of it anymore,” she shared. Her diagnosis finally explained what neither of them had understood for months.

Martin made a heartbreaking admission: “I wish it had been cancer… at least then there would’ve been a treatment path.” With Alzheimer’s, he said, there’s no cure and little support. Now, he cares for Fiona daily—helping her with basic tasks like showering and brushing her teeth.
Fiona had already cared for both her parents through Alzheimer’s. Now, she and Martin face the same battle together—determined to raise awareness and face the future with honesty and love.