This Morning boss Martin Frizell has confirmed he will be leaving the show at the end of the month, as his wife Fiona Phillips opens up about her ‘frightening’ Alzheimer’s battle.
The television supremo, 66, announced he was standing down after ten years at the head of the popular daytime show in November with ITV sources saying his job was not ‘conducive to Fiona’s illness’.
He initially said that he would stand down in the Spring, but his last day will be Friday February 28.
He will be replaced by Vivek Sharma, the current Associate Editor of This Morning, ITV confirmed yesterday.
Sharma’s career spans two decades including working on Loose Women, Lorraine, Good Morning Britain, and Steph’s Pack Lunch.
It came as Fiona, 64, who publicly shared her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2023, announced she would be publishing a new book about life with Alzheimer’s with the help of her husband.
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This Morning boss Martin Frizell has confirmed he is leaving the ITV show after 10 years as his wife Fiona Phillips opens up about her ‘frightening’ Alzheimer battle (pictured 2016)
Titled Remember When it will be published on July 3.
The former GMTV presenter explained: ‘I hope this book can show people a little about what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s.
‘How frightening and confusing it is. But also how much life can still bring joy and be valued.
‘And if you or someone you love is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, I hope this book brings you some comfort. I want you to know, you are not alone.’
Martin and Fiona first met when the latter was working on GMTV as a presenter and the former was its chief correspondent.
He later popped the question after they had been dating for just four weeks, before they went to Las Vegas to tie the knot in 1997.
They now have two children together, Nathaniel and Mackenzie, who are both in their 20s.
During Frizell’s tenure at the helm of This Morning the show was showered with multiple award wins, but was also engulfed in the scandal over Phillip Schofield’s affair with a younger colleague causing months of negative headlines.
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The television supremo, 66, announced he was standing down after ten years at the head of the popular daytime show in November with ITV sources saying his job was not ‘conducive to Fiona’s illness’ (pictured 2005)
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His replacement Vivek Sharma said: ‘Having grown up watching the show, it’s an incredible privilege and honour to take on the role of Editor of This Morning’
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During Frizell’s tenure at the helm of This Morning the show was showered with multiple award wins, but was also engulfed in the scandal over Phillip Schofield’s affair
His replacement Vivek Sharma will taken over the reins in March.
Vivek said: ‘Having grown up watching the show, it’s an incredible privilege and honour to take on the role of Editor of This Morning.
‘Over the last 37 years, the show has become a national institution and has been responsible for some of the most memorable moments on television.
‘It’s a cherished part of millions of people’s mornings on TV and on social media, where someone interacts with This Morning content every second.’
‘The team on and off camera are world-class and I can’t wait to work alongside them in my new role, as we shape the future of this iconic brand.’
