Archive July 5, 2025

Fiona Phillips’ husband details his one ‘shocking’ wish – but there’s sense behind it

Martin Frizell, who has been married to Fiona Phillips for 28 years, explained his thinking around his “brutally honest” opinion the TV presenter would have been better off diagnosed with cancer

Martin Frizell and Fiona Phillips have been married for nearly 30 years(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Fiona Phillips’ husband says he wishes the TV presenter had been diagnosed with cancer instead of Alzheimer’s disease – because she’d at least might have had chance at a cure.

Martin Frizell, who married the journalist and broadcaster in 1998, said there is a lack of support and care packages for those with Alzheimer’s. He himself has become Fiona’s primary carer as, following her diagnosis in her early 60s in 2023, the disease has taken its toll on the journalist’s mind.

The mum of two told today how she became unaware she was forgetting things, or how she kept repeating herself. Martin, who quit his role as editor of This Morning last year, stating he expected his “family priorities to [soon] change”, recognises he “has to stay well for Fiona” because, should he fall ill, “the whole house of cards would collapse”.

However, he says, had Fiona contracted a cancer, a treatment plan would have been available and there may be hope. In an extract adapted from Fiona’s upcoming book, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, Martin writes: “Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had contracted cancer instead. It’s a shocking thing to say, but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure, and certainly would have had a treatment pathway and an array of support and care packages.

“But that’s not there for Alzheimer’s. Just like there are no funny or inspiring TikTok videos or fashion shoots with smiling, healthy, in-remission survivors. “

READ MORE: ITV star makes big career announcement after leaving This Morning

The journalist, pictured in early 2020,
The journalist, pictured in early 2020, has written a book about her journey(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Prince of Egypt)
Fiona took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2005
Fiona took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2005(Image: Daily Mirror)
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The former This Morning boss continued: “After someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they are pretty much left to their own devices. There is nothing more that can be done and you are left to cope alone.”

It is an opinion reflected by Fiona, who has two sons with Martin. She writes, in the same passage: “I gently push the door open, but then, in that very moment, I sense the person I love has disappeared again. They’re gone. The memory has gone. And I’m all alone. And that’s how it is for me now, living with Alzheimer’s. “

Both of Fiona’s parents had Alzheimer’s but tests have shown the broadcaster, who was on GMTV for 15 years, does not carry the gene so neither of her sons would.

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It is small comfort for Martin, who adds in the candid extract released today: “As time has passed, I have come to understand that if I were to fall ill or worse, the whole house of cards would collapse. I have had to stay well for Fiona.

“Sorting the bank accounts, utility direct debits, hospital appointments, clothes, washing, parking permits, shopping, cooking, tidying the house – in fact, all the stuff I took for granted because Fiona dealt with it (as well as her own career) – became my responsibilities, along with a seven-day-a-week job. It was knackering. There were times I felt drained, physically and emotionally. On top of the stress, the boys and I are enduring a kind of living grief – a slow goodbye to the woman we love. “

‘Perfect night’ for Chelsea as ‘exciting’ Estevao gives glimpse of future

Getty Images

Estevao Willian could hardly have introduced himself to Chelsea in a better way.

When the 18-year-old Brazilian smashed home an equaliser for Palmeiras against the Blues from an almost impossible angle on Saturday – Chelsea fans could have been forgiven for feeling a little bit excited.

Yes, he had just equalised against their side in the Club World Cup quarter-final but it was also a thrilling glimpse of the talent Chelsea have signed in a deal that could eventually be worth £52m.

A late Palmeiras own goal meant it was ultimately Chelsea looking forward to a semi-final against Fluminense, but Estevao’s last game for the Brazilians was certainly a memorable one.

The Blues beat the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Manchester City to sign the Palmeiras wonderkid last summer – before allowing him to stay in Brazil last season and to play for the Brazilians in this summer’s Club World Cup.

And, while they may have been regretting that decision as his direct running and silky skills tormented them in Philadelphia, anyone connected with Chelsea can’t fail but to be excited by what they saw.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “Happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night.

“He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world is that you need to adapt.

“We are going to help him to adapt, be happy and enjoy football. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea. “

The forward was a constant threat down Palmeiras’s right, had the most touches in Chelsea’s box for his side (8), and was awarded man of the match for his display.

Blues midfielder Cole Palmer, who was pictured talking to him after the final whistle, added: “You can see he is a top player, so it is very exciting.

“I just said we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said. “

Estevao and Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira were tearful at the post-match press conference as they reflected on their time together.

Ferreira said: “I spoke before with Maresca and told him ‘you bought an amazing player but more than this you bought an amazing person’.

“You need to take care of him. You need to embrace him and in the beginning for sure he will make mistakes. Like you saw today he is an amazing player with a lot of skill. He is a player who can win a game alone. “

Estevao, said: “Palmeiras opened the door for me. I was deeply happy in Palmeiras and my family knows how happy I was.

“I’m very happy I could score a goal to help my club unfortunately this wasn’t the result we wanted but we gave our best on the pitch and now I am moving on. “

‘Best Brazilian since Neymar’

Other Brazilian teenagers such as Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo left for Europe at the same age for huge fees.

They’ve both proved themselves already on the big stages since then. But none of them were as hyped as Estevao when they first moved abroad.

There’s a feeling in Brazil that the boy from the countryside of Sao Paulo may be something else, the kind of player that comes along once a decade and seems destined to the very top.

“Estevao is the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar. You watch him and you fall in love,” the head of Palmeiras’ academy, Joao Paulo Sampaio, told BBC Sport.

Forget about Messinho – his name is Estevao

Estevao is a member of the so-called “geracao do bilhao” – a generation of players that also includes Real Madrid’s Endrick and West Ham’s Luis Guilherme and with whom Palmeiras expected to make 1bn Brazilian Real (around £152m).

All three have been making waves since they were kids – Estevao himself was only 10 the first time Palmeiras tried to lure him to their academy, but failed to match an offer reportedly 10 times higher from Cruzeiro.

He then became the youngest Brazilian footballer to sign a contract with Nike, surpassing Neymar (13) and Rodrygo (11), and was dubbed ‘Messinho’ (little Messi) for his ability to change direction and dribble past opponents while running with the ball at speed.

It hardly came as a surprise to those who had been following him when Spanish newspaper AS said during the 2023 U-17 World Cup that “Brazil have a new genius”.

Despite the similarities with Lionel Messi, Estevao has stated he doesn’t want to be called ‘Messinho’ anymore.

It’s not only his left foot that leaves others fascinated, but also the mentality he already possesses. Sampaio recalls an episode that illustrated that.

“When we won the 2022 U-17 Brazilian Championship title, Estevao ended up breaking one of his toes during a decisive game,” he said.

No concern at all about Chelsea situation

A right winger who can also play as number 10, Estevao has always been treated differently.

He was still five months away from being able to sign his first senior contract at the age of 16 when Palmeiras, in an unusual move, announced they had agreed the terms of it.

His decision to choose Chelsea as the next step in his career has been questioned back home, due to the confusing situation of the English club and their recent record with young Brazilians such as Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel.

Estevao’s staff has told BBC Sport they have no concerns whatsoever about it and added they believe a transfer to West London will give him a chance to break into the team more quickly compared to other clubs.

With the 2026 World Cup as his main goal, the plan is to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge once he arrives.

Related topics

  • Chelsea
  • Premier League
  • Football

Today’s horoscope for July 5 as one star sign tries to avoid the spotlight

Today’s horoscope for Saturday, July 5, sees one star sign enjoy the finer things, as another tries to trust their own instincts

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

It’s Saturday, July 5 and one star sign is feeling in need of advice, while another catches up on their to-do list.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Avoid people who seem to have been deliberately putting problems in your way. Distance yourself from anyone who has been dragging you down. While you won’t want to come across as being unkind, staying positive in a difficult situation is starting to drain you.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

Today promises to be a really good day for you. Share your happiness with everyone you meet. Enjoy a delicious lunch with friends, take part in group activities and let that joy multiply. Make the most of the positive cosmic energy that surrounds you.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Stay calm and be sensible when meeting up with friends or mixing in a crowd. Enjoy the time you all spend together without feeling the need to steal the spotlight. Constantly being the centre of attention can be quite stressful and exhausting. For now, stay in the background.

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Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

You may not have been planning on going anywhere today or doing anything this evening but a surprise invitation could come your way. Take this chance to try a new restaurant or bar. Give yourself permission to relax and have fun. If you’re in a group, agree on a designated driver.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

Events going on around you have become the centre of everyone’s conversations. You’re getting advice from friends and workmates and now even your family is chiming in. While many people have their opinions, you really need to trust your own instincts.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

You often find it hard to switch off especially when responsibilities are heavy. Make some time to relax today. Take deep breaths; meditate and enjoy some calming music. Spend some time playing fetch with your dog. Walk in nature. Choose activities that bring you peace and tranquillity.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

A kind and supportive friend will introduce you to the finer things in life that will immediately appeal to you. They have a charming way of getting their ideas across which makes you want to take their advice. Someone at home is asking you to be wary of people you hardly know.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

A friend or colleague will seek your guidance on a health issue. This makes you uncomfortable as you don’t want to offer advice when you aren’t familiar with the details and know nothing about their circumstances. Suggest they reach out to their doctor or practice nurse.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

It is time to deal with those tasks you pushed aside earlier even if you still aren’t keen on doing them. Be sure to express your gratitude to those who have been a good help to you lately and people who support you daily. It will mean a lot to them to know they are appreciated.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Share your thoughts and opinions openly for a change. Your insights will benefit a group project. Although you might prefer to remain in the background, join in the conversation. Don’t be shy. A new study project that’s being discussed will get your interest.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

You can trust your instincts when tackling family issues and other problems. You could find it beneficial to seek advice from a sensible friend. Above all, remember that there is no need to have to face everything by yourself.

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Move beyond your past and let go of ties that have been holding you ba ck. Start shaping a happier future for yourself now. Tackle issues that have been keeping you from fulfilling your true potential. Release bad habits and embrace the power of forgiveness.

READ MORE: ‘Great for mature skin’ £36 face oil now £10 that fans say ‘beats Elemis and Estée Lauder’

Fiona Phillips lifts the lid on her ‘awful’ day-to-day challenges with Alzheimer’s

Fiona Phillips, in an emotional, tell-all interview, details her frustrating journey with Alzheimer’s with which the journalist and broadcaster was diagnosed aged 61

Fiona Phillips, pictured at home in London, has shared the frustration of her Alzheimer’s journey(Image: Daily Mirror)

Fiona Phillips has described the challenges with Alzheimer’s as “like trying to chase a £5 note that’s fallen out of your purse on a gusty day” in a candid article.

The journalist, who was diagnosed with the disease aged 61 in 2023, said every time “she thinks she had caught the £5 note, it whips away again” in an emotive passage about her journey. The mother of two told how she had “no awareness” that she kept repeating herself and she sometimes forgot what she was doing or where she was going soon after the diagnosis.

And now, the 64-year-old broadcaster is living with Alzheimer’s, with much of her care being done by husband Martin Frizell, who quit his role as editor of This Morning last year, stating he expected his “family priorities to [soon] change”. Fiona, with Martin’s support, has written a book called Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, which will be published later this month, and extracts from which have been adapted for the media today.

In these passages, Fiona, who presented GMTV for 15 years, said: “Everywhere I look there are memories. I know they are there. And yet so many of them feel out of my reach now.

“It’s like I stretch out to touch them, but then just as I’m about to grasp it, the memory skips away from me. And I can’t catch up with it. Like trying to chase a £5 note that’s fallen out of your purse on a gusty day. Each time I think I’ve caught it, it whips away again.

“I couldn’t be writing this at all without my husband Martin and my closest friends, who are helping me articulate more clearly the thoughts I once had that are now harder for me to reach. “

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READ MORE: ‘Doctors said I was too young to get dementia – now I have a rare condition’

Fiona, who has been married to Martin Frizell since 1997, had 'no awareness' she was forgetting things
Fiona, who has been married to Martin Frizell since 1997, had ‘no awareness’ she was forgetting things

Fiona, who is also a Mirror columnist, added: “Nowadays, I can find talking about my life agonisingly difficult. Sometimes I get halfway through a sentence and I can’t remember where I was heading with it or the word I was looking for. It feels awful.

“Gradually, Martin and I thought maybe I should start telling more people. Martin felt that if more people knew what was happening to me then they wouldn’t judge me if I did ever start behaving unusually – not that I thought I did. It was hardly like I was going down the street half-clothed, yelling at people.

“But he and the doctors, who I was constantly backwards and forwards to see, would say that I kept repeating myself and that sometimes I forgot what I was doing or where I was going. The strange thing was I had no awareness of that. “

The Mirror told, in 2023, how the star, born in Canterbury, Kent, was undergoing trials for a revolutionary new drug which scientists hope could slow or even reverse the illness for millions of sufferers in the years to come.

Fiona was a breakfast TV opresenter for years
Fiona was a breakfast TV opresenter for years(Image: The People)
The star hosted GMTV with Eamonn Holmes
The star hosted GMTV with Eamonn Holmes in the early 2000s(Image: GMTV)

Yet it is too little too late for Fiona, so much so Martin said in the extracts he wishes his wife of 28 years had been diagnosed with cancer instead. He added: “Being brutally honest, I wish Fiona had contracted cancer instead. It’s a shocking thing to say, but at least then she might have had a chance of a cure, and certainly would have had a treatment pathway and an array of support and care packages.

“But that’s not there for Alzheimer’s. Just like there are no funny or inspiring TikTok videos or fashion shoots with smiling, healthy, in-remission survivors.

“After someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they are pretty much left to their own devices. There is nothing more that can be done and you are left to cope alone. “

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The couple try to maintain a optimistic outlook but, just like The Mirror’s recent case study Janet Allen and her daughter Emily, Martin and Fiona ultimately find it difficult to keep hopeful. Emily told us it was “the scariest thing” to learn her mum, from Reading, Berkshire, had got Alzheimer’s, which has left her needing care from loved ones too.

Chelsea beat Palmerias to set up Fluminense Club World Cup semi

A late own goal off Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay lifted Chelsea to a 2-1 victory in Philadelphia, sending the Premier League side into the Club World Cup semifinals.

A shot by Chelsea’s Malo Gusto from the right side deflected off Palmeiras’ Richard Rios and Giay. Goalkeeper Weverton was unable to control the caroming ball before it went into the net.

Chelsea will play Fluminense on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Brazilian side defeated Al Hilal 2-1 earlier on Friday.

Palmeiras’ Weverton scores Chelsea second with an own goal [Susana Vera/Reuters]

Cole Palmer scored his first of the tournament in the 16th minute for Chelsea before Estevao, who will join Chelsea after the tournament, tied it in the 53rd minute.

Palmer had been criticised by the Chelsea fans for his lack of production despite leading the team in shots on goal during the tournament.

He proved his worth on the goal, taking a pass from Trevoh Chalobah and dribbling from just outside the box to 15 yards out before scoring with a left-footed strike.

“I’ve been working on … the shot in training. I just saw the space and went there,” Palmer told DAZN after the match.

“The manager just said to keep calm and do lots of passes, and we should be all right. ”

Chelsea fans didn’t know whether to cheer or cry, however, when Estevao tied it with a brilliant, tight-angle shot for the equaliser.

Estevao #41 of Palmeiras scores his team's first goal past Robert Sanchez #1 of Chelsea
Estevao of Palmeiras scores his team’s first goal past Robert Sanchez of Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal [Carl Recine/FIFA via Getty Images]

He made a verbal agreement with Chelsea in May 2024 but was not permitted to move to England until he turned 18 on April 24, delaying his transfer to the current window.

The clubs arranged that he would remain with Palmeiras until their tournament run ended.

“You can see he [Estevao] is a top player, so we are excited for him [to join Chelsea after the tournament],” Palmer said of his soon-to-be teammate.

Joao Pedro made his Chelsea debut in the 54th minute, two days after his signing from Brighton & Hove Albion of the Premier League was confirmed.

The Brazilian had 10 goals and six assists for Brighton last season.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer scores their first goal
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer scores their first goal of the game [Lee Smith/Reuters]

Pedro’s new manager at Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, was glowing about all aspects of the win.

“It has been a tough game, as we expected,” the Blues boss told DAZN.

“We needed lots of energy. At the end, congratulations to the players because they were very good.

“I’m happy because we won, and also happy because Estevao scored. The perfect night. ”

Green Wing star Sophie Alexander’s former partner Gerald Harper dies aged 96

Veteran stage and TV performer Gerald Harper – who was in a brief relationship with an actress 40 years his junior – has died.

Gerald made his name on British TV in the 1960s and 1970s, starring as the lead role in the adventure drama Adam Adamant Lives! and then as the main character in Hadleigh. He then went on to forge an illustrious career on the stage, featuring in various West End shows, including Crucifer of Blood and A Personal Affair at the Haymarket Theatre.

Although he was also in popular films, such as 1979 mystery comedy The Lady Vanishes, Gerald will also be remembered for his relationship with Coupling and Green Wing star Sophie Alexander. He was in his early 70s when Sophie, then aged around 30, became lovers. Sophie was at the height of her own fame at the time, as she was a regular in sitcom Coupling and had been in Smack the Pony for four years.

Speaking at the time, a source who saw the couple together told our sister title, the Sunday People: “They were super-glued together! They were all over each other and didn’t care who saw them. Funnily enough, the young lady was making a lot of the running and kept grabbing him to French kiss him – it was quite a display. “

But Sophie, who has since been in Hollywood film I Could Never Be Your Woman, ended things with Gerald in 2002. She left Gerald for actor Peter Serafinowicz, whom she since married.

Gerald Harper
Gerald Harper is pictured as the lead character in the drama Adam Adamant Lives! (BBC)
The actor developed a reputation for playing charming bachelors
The actor developed a reputation for playing charming bachelors – both on and off screen (Mirrorpix)

Gerald died on Wednesday, his agent confirmed yesterday. CDM Talent Agency posted on social media: “It is with great sadness that Gerald Harper has recently passed away – he was a valued client before he went to Spain to enjoy his retirement. ” It is unclear where the actor died.

He leaves behind two grown-up children, one from each of his two marriages before he met Sophie. Gerald, who also a radio presenter, was married to actress Jane Downs from 1957 until they divorced in 1975. In 1976, he married Carla Rabaiotti, a former Pan American air stewardess; they were divorced in 1983. He had a daughter with Heartbeat star Jane, who herself passed away in 2015, and a son with Carla.

Yet it is the fling with Sophie, long after the marriages, which caused the stir in Notting Hill, central London, where Gerald lived. Sophie reportedly moved in with the star, some 42 years her senior, which was believed to have raised eyebrows in the affluent area. It is said, though, Gerald was “absolutely bereft” when Sarah left him for Amandaland star Peter in 2002.

Since then, Gerald’s TV work declined and he focused more on plays and radio presenting. The charismatic performer presented The Sunday Affair for Capital Radio in the 1970s, and a series of Saturday afternoon shows for BBC Radio 2 in the early 1990s, in which he played classic songs from the past and gave away bottles of champagne and chocolates.

Speaking to the Daily Express in 2006, dad-of-two Gerald, who grew up in Barnet, northwest London, said: “I was a TV star on my own terms and for the best part of 20 years I virtually didn’t have a day off. “