From the outset of the Martin Frizell memoir Alzheimer drama, he writes how dealing with events at work unexpectedly offered relief during a difficult personal time. As Fiona Phillips faced early-onset Alzheimer’s, Martin Frizell found himself juggling serious home worries alongside a turbulent period at This Morning. He reflects in Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s that the drama unfolding at work gave him something else to focus on, providing structure and a degree of normality when life at home felt overwhelming.
In his new memoir, Martin recounts Fiona’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2022 when she was just 61, and his role as her primary carer. While navigating that deeply personal journey, he also faced seismic shifts at work: Phillip Schofield’s exit after more than two decades and Holly Willoughby’s departure following a serious kidnap threat. These events, he explains, occupied his mind in a way that helped him cope, reminding readers that sometimes the most unexpected distractions can offer a lifeline.
Martin writes: “I was busy with work at that time. We’d had big changes at This Morning…”, describing how Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard stepped in as new hosts in March 2024. It wasn’t about turning away from his wife’s illness, but rather finding balance amid chaos. The intensity of the workplace offered a form of respite.
His memoir deepens our understanding of Alzheimer’s in a very personal context, while also shedding light on how separation between public and private life can help carers sustain themselves. Fiona’s story is told with warmth and empathy, while Martin’s reflections bring a rare honesty to the challenge of juggling both high-profile career upheaval and intimate caregiving. His account feels real, unfiltered, and speaks directly to anyone who has looked after someone close while trying to hold everything else together.
If you’ve been following our coverage of media figures dealing with personal health or workplace challenges, you might also appreciate our article on Lisa Faulkner speaking out after John Torode’s sacking. And for reliable advice on Alzheimer’s support, the Alzheimer’s Society website offers a wealth of resources for carers and families.
For anyone facing similar dual stresses, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s while coping with workplace upheaval, Martin’s memoir offers insight and, above all, a sense that you’re not alone. It reminds us that human resilience isn’t always about conquering; sometimes it’s about holding steady in the storm.
For more updates on Alzheimer’s caregiving and personal stories about balancing public life and private duty, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your thoughts—have your say in the comments below.
[Image Credit: Manchester Evening News]
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