Recently, Fiona Phillips made her first public appearance in more than a year to promote her upcoming book titled Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s, as she continues to battle the disease.
The former breakfast TV presenter, 64, was told she had Alzheimer’s in 2022, but only publicly shared her diagnosis in 2023.
The 66-year-old former This Morning editor, Martin Frizell, has assisted her in writing the book, set to be published on July 3 by Pan Macmillan.
After being last seen at Kate Garraway’s late husband Derek Draper’s funeral in 2024, Fiona was photographed radiating a graceful smile in the new image.
She is set to discuss early warning signs and her gradual loss of memory and confusion in the book, while her husband also shares his experience.
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Fiona Phillips, 64, has been pictured for the first time in over a year to promote her new book, Remember When: My life with Alzheimer’s, amid her battle with the disease
The former breakfast TV presenter was told she had Alzheimer’s in 2022, but only publicly shared her diagnosis in 2023 (pictured on This Morning in 2016)
Fiona was last pictured at Kate Garraway’s late husband Derek Draper’s funeral in 2024 (pictured with her husband Martin)
Her husband of 26 years Mark stepped down as editor of ITV’s This Morning in February 2025 to take care of his wife amid her diagnosis.
In February, Fiona shared a heartbreaking update about her ‘frightening but joyful’ disease where she said she’s already struggling with lapses in her memory.
She explained: ‘I hope this book can show people a little about what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s.
‘How frightening and confusing it is. But also how much life can still bring joy and be valued. And if you or someone you love is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, I hope this book brings you some comfort. I want you to know, you are not alone.’
Martin shared a photo of Fiona from four years ago before she discovered that she had early on-set Alzheimer’s disease on Mother’s Day in a heartbreaking post.
Fiona could be smiling while waving at the camera and Martin admitted it has not been easy.
He captioned the photo: ‘If Mother’s Day is tough, you’re not alone. Share the good times. This was Fiona four years ago just before symptoms started. It’s my favourite picture of a wonderful mum.’
In a follow-up post Martin posted a photo of specially engraved glass Fiona received in 2007 when she was crowned ‘Mum of the Year.’
Her husband, former This Morning editor Martin Frizell, 66, has helped her write the book – which will be released July 3 through publishers Pan Macmillan (pictured in 2016 together)
Martin shared a photo of Fiona from four years ago before she discovered that she had early on-set Alzheimer’s disease on Mother’s Day in a heartbreaking post
Mark stepped down as editor of ITV’s This Morning in February 2025 to take care of his wife amid her diagnosis (pictured on his last day with Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond)
He wrote: ‘This was more important in our house than any BAFTA, NTA, or RTS.’
Following Fiona’s diagnosis she revealed she was put on a drugs trial in an attempt to slow down the symptoms, something which she says appears to be working for her.
In a previous interview with Women&Home magazine, Fiona said: ‘I’m on a clinical trial and the signs are positive.
‘I’m taking part in a revolutionary drug trial that’s trying to find a cure. It involves a brand-new drug and a placebo, and I have no idea which one I’m on.
‘When I went for my six-month check-up in October, they did cognitive tests to see where my brain was at, which showed that I was in the same place as I was the previous year.
‘I’m hopeful that the drug is holding the disease where it is. I’d rather not have to be on the trial but I’m very grateful I am.
‘There are risks, including bleeding on the brain, so I’m a guinea pig, but there’s a real chance it could help.’
Fiona, who has two sons with Martin, stunned her millions of fans when she revealed that like both of her parents, she had Alzheimer’s.
Yet the star says she is ‘pretending’ that she doesn’t have the illness so she can carry on enjoying her life.
It was reported at the time that she still meets friends for coffee and goes for walks, though admitted that Mark worries about her when he’s working.
‘I know I can still have a great life. I’m just getting on with things. I’m pretending it hasn’t happened and not giving it any space in my life at the moment. Or as little as I can. I’ve still got so much I want to do.
‘I know Martin worries about what I’m doing when he’s at work or has to go out in the evening, and whether I’m eating. But this isn’t me now. I’m not about to give up. I’ve still got so much to look forward to.’
Fiona, who left GMTV in December 2008 for family reasons, said that since her diagnosis she speaks her mind more and has become more ‘honest’ with people.
She added that nobody has reacted badly to her more candid comments.
Fiona presented GMTV for more than a decade before leaving the show (pictured alongside Eamonn Holmes)
‘Martin says I have no filter now, and it’s true,’ said Fiona.
‘I come out with some funny things. I’ve become more honest with people, which I don’t see as a negative thing.
‘No one has reacted badly, and most of the time I’m complimenting people and saying things I would have thought but not blurted out.
‘I think Martin gets a bit exasperated at times but all my friends are used to it now. My diagnosis is definitely not all doom and gloom. There is still a lot of light in the darkness, and you’ve always got to look for that.’
