Martin Frizell, husband of former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips, has laid bare his profound grief as Alzheimer’s disease erodes her memories, leaving her unable to recognize him at times. In a poignant interview with The Telegraph on August 21, 2025, at 9:56 PM +07, Frizell, 66, shared the devastating reality of watching his wife of 28 years “slip away before our eyes,” a process he detailed in their co-authored memoir, Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s, released in July. His last promise to the woman he loves—a vow to ensure her comfort—stands as a beacon amid the darkness.

Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2022 at age 61, Phillips, now 64, has seen her once-vibrant personality fade. Frizell recounted a heart-wrenching moment from 2024 when Phillips, confused by her condition, asked, “Who’s that man?” about their son Nathaniel, a memory he captured in the book. “It’s a slow goodbye,” Frizell said, his voice heavy with emotion. “She doesn’t always know I’m her husband, but she knows I’m someone who cares.” The disease, which also claimed her parents, has stripped her short-term memory, leaving her reliant on Frizell for daily tasks like dressing and eating.

The couple’s journey, documented with journalist Alison Phillips, reveals Frizell’s anger at the lack of support for the 70,000 Britons with early-onset Alzheimer’s. “We’re left to fend for ourselves,” he told ITV’s This Morning in July, advocating for better care. Despite this, he remains steadfast, promising to shield Phillips from further distress. “My last promise is to keep her safe and happy for as long as I can,” he said, a commitment tested by her recent anxiety and physical pain, which he attributes to a secondary condition.

Phillips’ decline has been public since her 2023 announcement, with Frizell stepping down as This Morning editor in 2024 to care for her. Social media, especially X, reflects fans’ sorrow, with @FionaFanUK posting, “Martin’s love for her is heartbreakingly beautiful.” Yet, her spirit endures—recent Instagram clips show her smiling during walks, a testament to Frizell’s care. The memoir, now a bestseller, aims to raise awareness, with Phillips’ voice fading but her impact growing.

As of tonight, the couple resides in London, where Frizell balances caregiving with public advocacy. The disease’s progression, detailed in medical updates, suggests a challenging future, but Frizell’s resolve holds firm. “She’s still with us in spirit,” he said, clinging to fleeting recognitions. This heartbreak, laid bare, underscores a love enduring beyond memory, leaving readers to ponder the strength required to keep such a promise.