Fiona Phillips reveals ‘heartbreaking’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis: ‘I’ve been worried people will judge me’

Virgin Radio

5 Jul 2023, 07:44

Former GMTV host Fiona Phillips has announced she’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. 

The broadcaster was initially given the news 18 months ago after suffering from brain fog and anxiety, and she was originally put on HRT after the symptoms were believed to be linked to menopause. 

Following the official diagnosis, Fiona was placed on an ongoing trial for a new treatment which scientists hope could slow down or reverse the illness. 

Speaking to The Mirror, Fiona explained: “This disease has ravaged my family and now it has come for me. And all over the country there are people of all different ages whose lives are being affected by it - it’s heartbreaking. I just hope I can help find a cure which might make things better for others in the future."

After both her parents, grandparents and uncle were all diagnosed with the disease, the TV host said she’d long feared she would also receive the news, and was told by doctors that her test results at the time showed “early stages” of the condition. 

Fiona continued: “It’s something I might have thought I’d get at 80, but I was still only 61 years old. I felt more angry than anything else because this disease has already impacted my life in so many ways.”

The columnist admitted she waited to tell people out of fear of judgement. She added: “No one has known because I haven’t been blaring out loud, ‘oh yeah, I’ve got Alzheimer's'. And I have been so worried people will judge me or put labels on me. It’s a horrible bloody secret to divulge.”

Fiona, who is married to This Morning boss Martin Frizell, confessed that she wanted to tell her story now to help end the stigma around the disease and help those going through the same situation. 

She continued: “There is still an issue with this disease that the public thinks of old people, bending over a stick, talking to themselves. But I’m still here, getting out and about, meeting friends for coffee, going for dinner with Martin and walking every day.”

Meanwhile, Fiona’s ITV colleagues have been sending support following the news. 

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid said while on-air: “We are all sending our huge best wishes this morning to Fiona Phillips, well known to all of you as the former presenter of GMTV, for more than a decade.

“She is a hugely popular presenter and journalist, we all know and love her, she has also been an incredible advocate to family's living with Alzheimer's.”

Lorraine Kelly also shared her love for Fiona on Twitter, writing: “As expected our much loved Fiona is dealing with this shattering diagnosis with courage and optimism. She’s a good kind soul and I pray the treatment works and results in a massive breakthrough for everyone dealing with this hellish disease. Sending her and her family all my love.”