July 9, 2025 | London
In a devastating turn of events, the family of beloved British broadcaster Fiona Phillips has been hit with another cruel blow. Her husband, journalist and TV executive Martin Frizell, has revealed that he too is battling cancer, even as he continues to care for his wife amid her ongoing fight with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The heartbreaking revelation was shared during an exclusive interview with The Times, where Frizell, 65, opened up about the private pain he’s carried for months — and the emotional weight of watching both their lives spiral into uncharted territory.
“There was a day I sat on the floor in the kitchen,” he confessed. “Fiona didn’t remember what year it was. And I had just gotten off the phone with my doctor. I remember whispering to myself: Can this get any worse?”
🧠 Fiona’s Diagnosis, Then His Own
Fiona Phillips, now 64, first publicly disclosed her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2023, bravely speaking about the cruel irony of inheriting the same disease that afflicted both her parents. The news drew widespread sympathy and admiration as she continued to speak out about dementia awareness.
But what the public didn’t know is that just months after Fiona’s condition worsened, Frizell was quietly diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer — a diagnosis he initially kept secret, even from close friends.
“She was slipping away in front of me,” he said. “How could I burden her with my news when she didn’t even fully understand her own?”
🧡 A Family Holding On
The couple, married for over 25 years, have two sons, aged 20 and 24, both of whom are now playing active roles in helping care for their mother. Martin described his sons as “the glue” holding the family together.
“We take turns. Some days, she thinks our youngest is her brother. Other days, she doesn’t know who I am. But she still smiles when I play our wedding song.”
Despite his own treatment — which includes hormone therapy and scheduled surgery later this year — Frizell says his focus remains on Fiona’s comfort, dignity, and peace.
💬 A Message to Others
In speaking out, Martin Frizell hopes to remind others going through similar heartbreak that they are not alone.
“There are thousands of people quietly enduring this. Watching the person they love disappear — while facing battles of their own. I just want them to know: I see you. I understand.”
🌟 Support Pours In
Since the news broke, tributes and messages of support have flooded in from fellow broadcasters, fans, and advocacy groups. TV host Lorraine Kelly tweeted:
“There are no words. Just love. Strength to Fiona, Martin, and their boys. What a beautiful family.”