Lorraine Kelly leads tribute to Fiona Phillips after Alzheimer's diagnosis

6 July 2023

Lorraine Kelly is praying for Fiona Phillips after she opened up about her Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Lorraine Kelly has paid tribute to Fiona Phillips

The 63-year-old presenter sent her well wishes to the former 'GMTV' star, 62, after she revealed she was diagnosed with the illness a year ago after experiencing months of brain fog and anxiety.

On Wednesday's (05.07.23) episode of 'Lorraine', she described the news as "blinking sad", while praising Fiona for being "amazing and really optimistic as she always would be".

She added on Twitter: "As expected our much loved Fiona is dealing with this shattering diagnosis with courage and optimism.

"She’s a good, kind soul and I pray the treatment works and results in a massive breakthrough for everyone dealing with this hellish disease.

"Sending her and her family all my love.’

'Good Morning Britain' duo Susanna Reid and Ed Balls also paid tribute to the broadcaster earlier in the morning.

Susanna described her as "an incredible advocate" for families affected by the illness.

Ed's - whose mother suffered with the disease for over two decades - added: "If you have a parent with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s always on your mind...

"Could it be hereditary? Could it be me? Now it’s a reality she’s dealing with and doing it so very bravely."

Fiona lost both of her parents to the degenerative disease - which impacts your memory - and she is hoping she can "help find a cure".

She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "This disease has ravaged my family and now it has come for me.

“And all over the country there are people of all different ages whose lives are being affected by it – it’s heartbreaking.

“I just hope I can help find a cure which might make things better for others in the future.”

Fiona is being supported by her ITV editor husband Martin Frizell, 64, who she married in 1997 and with whom she has children Nat, 24, and 21-year-old Mackenzie.

She is now taking part in a trial of the drug Miridesap at University College Hospital, London.

Fiona’s dad Neville died in February 2012 from the condition, and her mum Amy was killed by the disease in May 2006 – with their deaths prompting Fiona to become a prominent campaigner for Alzheimer’s Research UK.