She’s known to millions as the bubbly face of television, so when Fiona Phillips shared the “horrible secret” of the Alzheimer’s diagnosis she’s been hiding for 18 months, it left many in a state of shock.
The courageous 62-year-old former GMTV and Watchdog presenter appeared upbeat and unbeaten, even as she described her “anger” at being diagnosed with the devastating disease that has already “crippled” her family.
“No one has known because I haven’t been blaring out loud, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve got Alzheimer’s,’” she revealed. “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 presented GMTV for 15 years after joining the show in 1993, spent her career displaying her unyielding spirit and ability to tackle anything – including the destruction Alzheimer’s wrought on her own mum and dad, Amy and Neville.
But, as she sits at home on the sofa, with her husband of 26 years, This Morning executive Martin Frizell, close by, it’s clear she’s still coming to terms with her new reality.
At times she seems almost flippant, but as anyone with experience of Alzheimer’s knows, it’s often difficult to distinguish between the symptoms and the real person.
“I’m just getting old now, I’m not taking any notice of it,” she said. “I’m just getting on with it. I’m not not doing anything. I’m just doing what I normally do. Otherwise, what do I do? I don’t want to not work, I don’t want to be sitting around playing around with my fingers. I just like doing things.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 17, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 17, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
I'll cherish my friendship with Vito for the rest of my life'
Last year's Strictly winner Ellie Leach tells OK! about life on tour in Cluedo 2 and reuniting with her dance partner
'If one little thing had gone wrong, my entire path in life would have changed'
TV presenter Charlene White on her strict Jamaican upbringing in southeast London, her own tough parenting style and why she'd love the Princess of Wales to be a guest on Loose Women
I have seen cockroaches the size of terriers'
Joanna Lumley shares travel tales that aren't for the faint-hearted, Ab Fab gossip and other stories from her legendary screen career
'Once you become a parent, the times when you leave the house are extra special'
Comedian Joel Dommett on returning to the I'm A Celebrity jungle and how fatherhood has changed him
'We're so pleased our rainbow baby is here'
Mrs Brown's Boys actor Gary Hollywood and his wife Cherylanne invite us into their home to meet special new arrival Carter
'Ballroom dancing is your real school of life'
Former Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff on why she thought she'd never dance again after becoming a mum and how her daughter Mila is now following in her footsteps
A CELEBRATION FOR THE KING
As King Charles marks his 76th birthday, we hear how our beloved monarch may take time to reflect on a difficult year and look ahead to a busy, brighter 2025
WILLIAM'S 'BRUTAL' YEAR
The Prince Of Wales praises his wife and father as he opens up on the tough challenges of 2024 while visiting Cape Town to present the Earthshot Prize Awards
'Love is there for absolutely everybody'
Emmerdale star James Moore - who has cerebral palsy and once thought he would never marry - and his wife Sophie Edwards chat to OK! about their big day