After a decade as the editor of ITV’s This Morning, Martin Frizell is stepping down from his role to focus on something far more personal—his family. The decision comes as his wife, Fiona Phillips, battles Alzheimer’s disease, a diagnosis she revealed in July 2023. For those familiar with British TV, Fiona’s name likely rings a bell. The 63-year-old former GMTV presenter has been a beloved figure on UK screens for years, known for her warmth and relatability. But behind the scenes, Fiona and Martin’s love story is one that’s spanned more than two decades, marked by career highs, family life, and now, the heartbreaking reality of a devastating illness.
So, who is Fiona Phillips? How did she and Martin meet, and what does their life look like today? Let’s take a closer look.
A Love Story That Started in TV Land
Fiona Phillips and Martin Frizell’s story began where many TV romances do—on set. The couple met in the 1990s while working at GMTV, where Fiona was a presenter and Martin worked as an editor. Their shared passion for journalism and live television quickly brought them together. In 1997, they made it official and tied the knot, kicking off what would become a lasting partnership both at home and on the screen.
Now in their late 50s and early 60s, Fiona and Martin have two sons, Nathaniel and Mackenzie, who have been a central part of their lives away from the cameras. The couple has kept their family life relatively private, but Fiona has occasionally shared glimpses of their home life, describing Martin as a hands-on dad and a devoted husband.
Fiona’s Health Battle: A Family’s New Reality
In July 2023, Fiona revealed to The Mirror that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease—a cruel twist of fate for someone who had already watched both of her parents succumb to the illness. Her mother, Amy, passed away in 2006, followed by her father, Phil, in 2012. Fiona’s diagnosis came after she experienced brain fog and anxiety, symptoms she initially attributed to stress.
“This disease has ravaged my family, and now it has come for me,” Fiona told The Mirror. “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.”
The news was devastating for Martin, who, despite his demanding job at This Morning, has been by Fiona’s side every step of the way. His decision to leave ITV in spring 2025 was driven by a need to focus on “family matters” and to be present for Fiona during what he called a “new chapter” for their family.
The Financial Picture: A Comfortable Nest Egg
Both Martin and Fiona have enjoyed successful careers in television, which has afforded them a comfortable lifestyle. Martin, 64, has an estimated net worth of around $2 million, thanks to his decades-long career in TV journalism, including his high-profile role at This Morning. Fiona’s net worth is estimated to be about $4 million, accumulated from her years as a presenter on GMTV and her work as a columnist and author.
Their shared assets include a family home in London, where they’ve raised their sons and now face a very different kind of future together.
A Legacy on TV and a New Chapter at Home
During his tenure at This Morning, Martin oversaw more than 6,000 hours of live television, covering everything from celebrity interviews to hard-hitting campaigns on suicide prevention and health awareness. His colleagues have described his departure as a huge loss, with presenter Alison Hammond calling him a “real rock for the show.”
But for Martin, the decision was clear. “Next year, I’m expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them,” he said. “I love my team at ITV and will miss them, but it’s an always-on, 24-hour commitment, and I won’t be able to do both.”
With Martin stepping away from the limelight to focus on Fiona and their family, it’s a reminder that behind every TV persona is a real person with real struggles. For now, Martin’s story is less about producing award-winning TV and more about navigating the day-to-day reality of life with a loved one battling Alzheimer’s.
Their love story might not have the glitz of a Hollywood romance, but it has something far more powerful—resilience, loyalty, and a commitment to facing whatever comes next, together.
