Fiona Phillips has revealed she believes her 11-year stint as a breakfast TV presenter could be the reason she developed Alzheimer’s at such a young age.
The TV presenter, who announced she had been diagnosed with the disease in July, hosted GMTV on ITV between 1997 and 2008, which meant she had to get up around 3am on the days she hosted the show.
The 62-year-old star, who worked alongside Eamonn Holmes on the show, which started at 6am, said: “I wonder why I got this terrible disease.” I wonder if all these years, “The times I got up so early while working at GMTV contributed to my developing Alzheimer’s disease at such a young age.”
The star, who is married to This Morning editor Martin Frizell, was told she had the disease in 2022.
She underwent a trial of medication to slow the symptoms, which she said seemed to work for her.
GMTV’s Fiona Phillips, 62, has wondered whether a decade of 3am start times has contributed to her battle with dementia as she spoke about her trial of medication
The TV presenter, who announced she had been diagnosed with the disease in July, hosted GMTV on ITV between 1997 and 2008, which meant she had to get up around 3am on the days she hosted the show
In an interview with Women&Home magazine, Fiona said: “I’m taking part in 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’s a brand new drug and a placebo, and I have no idea which one I’m taking.
“When I went for my six-monthly check-up in October, they did cognitive tests to see where my brain was at. It turned out that I was in the same position as last year.”
“I hope the medication keeps the disease where it is.” I would rather not have to be in court, but I’m very grateful that I am.
“There are risks, including bleeding in the brain, so I’m a guinea pig, but there’s a real chance it could help.”
Fiona, who has two sons with Mark, stunned her millions of fans earlier this year when she revealed she had Alzheimer’s, like both of her parents.
Still, the star says she’s “pretending” she doesn’t have the disease so she can continue to enjoy her life.
She still meets friends for coffee and walks but admits Mark, who she has been married to for 26 years, worries about her when he works.
In an interview with Women&Home magazine, Fiona spoke about the drug trial she is currently in, which she hopes will slow the symptoms
“I know I can still have a great life.” I just keep going. I pretend it didn’t happen and don’t give him a place in my life right now.
The journalist praised her husband Martin Frizell – editor of ITV’s This Morning – describing him as “amazing” (pictured together in 2013).
“I know Martin is worried about what I do when he’s at work or going out in the evening, and whether I eat.” But that’s not me now. I will not give up. I still have so much to look forward to.
“My diagnosis is definitely not all doom and gloom.” There is still a lot of light in the darkness, and you always have to look for it.
Fiona hosted GMTV for more than a decade before leaving the show (pictured alongside Eamonn Holmes).
“I know I can still have a great life.” I just keep going. I pretend it didn’t happen and don’t give him a place in my life right now. Or as little as I can. I still have so much ahead of me that I want to do.
“I know Martin is worried about what I do when he’s at work or going out in the evening, and whether I eat.” But that’s not me now. I will not give up. I still have so much to look forward to.’
Fiona, who left GMTV in December 2008 for family reasons, said that since her diagnosis she has spoken out more and become more “honest” with people.
She added that no one reacted badly to her more candid comments.
“Martin says I don’t have a filter now, and that’s true,” Fiona said.
“I’ve 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 compliment people and say things I thought about but didn’t blurt out.”
I think Martin gets a little annoyed 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 dark, and you always have to look for it.”
If you need support, please contact the Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.