Fiona Phillips, 64, makes rare public appearance amid Alzheimer’s battle as she delivers 17-word message
Former television presenter Fiona Phillips made a rare public appearance through a video posted on her husband’s social media account this weekend.
The 64-year-old broadcaster expressed gratitude to supporters of her recently published Alzheimer’s memoir whilst savouring an ice lolly during an outing in a London park.
In the brief clip shared on her partner Martin Frizell’s Instagram, Phillips conveyed a simple message: “Hello! Thank you for reading my book. Really good of you. Hope you like it. Okay, bye!”
Frizell, who resigned from his position as This Morning editor earlier in 2025, accompanied the footage with a caption describing their afternoon stroll.
Phillips received her diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, though she only disclosed this publicly the following year.
The former GMTV host had experienced months of cognitive difficulties and anxiety, initially attributing these symptoms to menopause.
Her memoir Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s documents her experiences with the condition.
The book was created through collaboration with her spouse, the 66-year-old former This Morning editor, and journalist Alison Phillips.
Both of Phillips’s parents succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease, and she has inherited the condition. The memoir aims to increase public understanding of the illness and provide comfort to others facing similar circumstances.
Frizell recently appeared on This Morning to discuss the memoir, though Phillips was unable to accompany him due to her health.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Strictly winner left in tears as he’s left ‘ashamed’ and ’embarrassed’ after falling victim to scamFarage and Kuenssberg clash branded ‘unwatchable’ as BBC viewers fume over ‘disgraceful’ interviewDavid Beckham insists ‘it’s not funny’ as he shows off hair mishap as Victoria mocks ‘it’s TERRIBLE’
He told presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond: “She’s got bad depression because she wants to work, she’d love to be here, she’s not well enough today to come and talk to you.”
The book project began as a therapeutic activity for Phillips. “It started off when we knew it was Alzheimer’s. It was to give her a purpose, to give her something to do,” Frizell explained during the programme.
He described his wife as “a bubbly, smart, fearless, very modern woman” whose active life had been disrupted by the illness.
The Instagram post attracted widespread support from television personalities and members of the public. Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid commented: “Loads of love to you both.”
Davina McCall expressed enthusiasm at seeing Phillips, writing: “Oh Fiona!!! So great to see your face! We’ve missed you! Me and Michael are sending you huge love!!!”
This Morning’s Alice Beer congratulated the couple: “Congratulations to you both on getting the words on the page. I think you will really help the many many others in a similar situation.”
Trisha Goddard, who’s battling her own health battle of her own following her cancer diagnosis, typed: “Sending you lots of love, Fiona.
“You were so kind to me when you came up to my house in Norfolk to do my first interview after I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2008. More than just a colleague A truly kind, talented and beautiful person! And you’re pretty good, too Martin!”
And Celebs Go Dating’s Anna Williamson weighed in: “Sending Fiona so much love.
“She really looked out for me in my GMTV days, my telly mum and I will never forget how she comforted me when I was going through a tough time in my relationship.”