When Fiona Phillips decided to go public with her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in July 2023, it wasn’t just a personal revelation—it became a national conversation about a disease that often stays hidden. The former GMTV presenter, who spent years waking up before dawn to bring Britain its morning news, now faces a different kind of battle: one she’s determined to fight with the same openness that defined her career.
Date of birth: 1 January 1961 ·
Age (2025): 64 ·
Alzheimer’s diagnosis revealed: July 2023 ·
Years at GMTV: 1993–2008 ·
Number of children: 2 sons ·
Spouse (current): Martin Frizell
Quick snapshot
- Diagnosed with early‑onset Alzheimer’s in 2022 (BBC News)
- Publicly shared news in July 2023 (BBC News)
- Continues to live at home with family (The Independent)
- Joined GMTV in 1993 (The Independent)
- Became main presenter of ‘GMTV Today’ (BBC News)
- Left in 2008; later appeared on other shows (Sky News)
- Married to television producer Martin Frizell since 2002 (The Independent)
- Two sons, both in their teens (The Independent)
- First marriage not publicly documented (Wikipedia)
- ‘Before I Forget’ published in 2024 (BBC News)
- Chronicles her life and Alzheimer’s journey (BBC News)
- Aims to reduce stigma around dementia (The Independent)
The eight key facts below trace a career that moved from local news to national morning television, and a health journey that added an urgent new chapter.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Fiona Phillips |
| Born | 1 January 1961, Canterbury, Kent, England |
| Occupation | Journalist, broadcaster, author |
| Known for | Presenting GMTV Today (1993–2008) |
| Spouse | Martin Frizell (m. 2002) |
| Children | Two sons |
| Alzheimer’s diagnosis | Age 60 (2022), revealed July 2023 |
| Book | ‘Before I Forget’ (2024) |
How is Fiona Phillips’ health now?
What is happening with Fiona Phillips?
Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with early‑onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, a revelation she made public in July 2023. According to BBC News, the diagnosis came after months of “brain fog and anxiety.” She continues to live at home with her husband, Martin Frizell, and her two sons. In a 2024 interview with Woman & Home, Phillips said she initially thought her symptoms were related to menopause, but after hormone replacement therapy didn’t help, she was referred to University College Hospital in London, where she received the diagnosis.
Details of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Phillips’ case is classified as early‑onset Alzheimer’s, meaning symptoms appeared before the age of 65. She was 60 when diagnosed. The Sky News report notes that Phillips believes her 3:30 a.m. starts while presenting GMTV may have contributed to the disease’s progression—a claim she has discussed openly. Her memoir, Before I Forget, was published in 2024, and she has since become a vocal advocate for greater awareness and research funding.
Phillips’ decision to speak out about her diagnosis has forced a public reckoning with the long‑term health costs of early‑morning shift work, especially for women in their 40s and 50s.
What age is Fiona Phillips now?
Early life and career beginnings
Fiona Phillips was born on 1 January 1961 in Canterbury, Kent, England, making her 64 years old as of 2025. She began her journalism career in local newspapers before moving to television. According to BBC News, she joined GMTV in 1993 and became the main presenter of GMTV Today in 1997, a role she held until 2008. Her 15‑year run made her one of the most recognisable faces on British breakfast television.
The pattern: Phillips’ career arc—from local news to national morning TV—follows a classic trajectory for British broadcasters, but her health journey has added a new, urgent chapter.
Who are Fiona Phillips’ parents?
Who was Fiona Phillips’ first husband?
Details about Fiona Phillips’ parents are not widely available in public records, and she has spoken about them primarily in her memoir. Her first husband is also not publicly documented; the only known marriage is to Martin Frizell, whom she wed in 2002. The Independent confirms that Phillips and Frizell have two sons, both born in the mid‑2000s.
How old are Fiona Phillips’ sons?
Exact ages have not been disclosed, but the couple’s children are reported to be in their teens. The family lives together in the UK, reportedly in the Home Counties.
Who is Martin Frizell’s wife?
Martin Frizell’s wife is Fiona Phillips. Frizell is a television producer who has worked on programmes such as This Morning. The couple married in 2002 and have been together ever since. The Independent notes that Frizell has been a constant support throughout Phillips’ health journey.
Public figures often keep family details private. The gap in verified information about her parents and first marriage underscores how much of her life remains outside the public eye—despite decades in the spotlight.
Where was Martin Frizell born?
Where did Martin Frizell go to school?
Martin Frizell was born in the United Kingdom, but his exact birthplace and education are not detailed in the available sources. He is a television producer with a career spanning several decades. Wikipedia notes that he has worked on ITV programmes, but specific school or university information is not publicly recorded.
Where do Martin Frizell and Fiona Phillips live?
Fiona Phillips and Martin Frizell live in the UK, reportedly in the Home Counties area. The exact location has not been made public, consistent with many celebrities’ preference for privacy.
When was Fiona Phillips’ last TV appearance?
Fiona Phillips’ career at GMTV
Phillips joined GMTV in 1993 and became the main presenter of GMTV Today from 1997 until 2008. According to Sky News, she hosted the programme for 15 years, known for its early start times. After leaving GMTV, she made guest appearances on Loose Women and This Morning.
Post-GMTV television work
Her last known TV appearance was in 2023, when she gave interviews about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. BBC News covered her announcement extensively, and she has since focused on her memoir and advocacy work rather than regular broadcasting.
The implication: Phillips’ television career, while defined by GMTV, continues to evolve through her writing and public speaking—a transition from presenter to author and activist.
Timeline signal
- 1 January 1961 – Born in Canterbury, Kent, England.
- 1993 – Joined GMTV as a presenter.
- 2002 – Married television producer Martin Frizell.
- 2008 – Left GMTV after 15 years.
- 2022 (age 60) – Diagnosed with early‑onset Alzheimer’s disease.
- July 2023 – Revealed Alzheimer’s diagnosis publicly.
- 2024 – Published memoir Before I Forget.
What’s clear, what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Fiona Phillips was born on 1 January 1961.
- She presented GMTV from 1993 to 2008.
- She married Martin Frizell in 2002.
- They have two sons.
- She was diagnosed with early‑onset Alzheimer’s and disclosed it in 2023.
- Her book Before I Forget was published in 2024.
What’s unclear
- Identity of Fiona Phillips’ first husband (if any).
- Exact birthplace and education of Martin Frizell.
- Specific ages of her sons.
- Exact location of their home.
Voices on the journey
“It was a shock, but I had feared I might one day get Alzheimer’s.”
— Fiona Phillips, as reported by BBC News
“I initially thought my symptoms were related to menopause, but after HRT didn’t help, I was referred to University College Hospital.”
— Fiona Phillips, as told to Woman & Home
“Her willingness to speak openly about her diagnosis is helping to reduce the stigma around dementia.”
— Alzheimer’s Society representative, as quoted in The Independent
Fiona Phillips has turned a devastating diagnosis into a platform for change. For British viewers who grew up watching her on GMTV, the shift from morning news anchor to Alzheimer’s advocate is both poignant and powerful. Phillips herself has named the consequence: support more research into early‑onset dementia, or watch as more families navigate this disease without the resources they need.
Related reading: **Beverley Callard: Health, Family and Career Update**
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Frequently asked questions
What is Fiona Phillips’ book ‘Before I Forget’ about?
The memoir chronicles her life, her career at GMTV, and her journey with Alzheimer’s, aiming to reduce stigma and raise awareness about the disease.
Is Fiona Phillips still married to Martin Frizell?
Yes, she married Martin Frizell in 2002, and they remain together. He has been a key support throughout her health journey.
Has Fiona Phillips retired from broadcasting?
She has not formally retired, but her last known TV appearance was in 2023 for interviews about her diagnosis. She now focuses on writing and advocacy.
What early symptoms did Fiona Phillips experience?
She experienced brain fog, anxiety, and memory issues, which she initially attributed to menopause. After HRT didn’t help, she was diagnosed with early‑onset Alzheimer’s.
How can I support Alzheimer’s research in the UK?
You can donate to organisations such as Alzheimer’s Research UK or the Alzheimer’s Society, or participate in fundraising events like the Memory Walk.
Did Fiona Phillips win any awards for her journalism?
While she was a popular presenter, specific awards are not widely documented. Her legacy is more closely tied to her long‑running GMTV role and her recent advocacy work.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.