This Morning co-presenters Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson became emotional during today’s broadcast as they bid farewell to their boss, Martin Frizzell.
The show’s longtime producer and leader is stepping down after a decade at the helm to focus on caring for his wife, Fiona Phillips, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Frizzell’s departure was announced earlier in the broadcast, and it was clear that the team had deep respect and admiration for him.
As the show came to a close, both Hammond and Gibson were invited to sit with Frizzell on the sofa, where they shared their appreciation for his impact on their careers.
An Emotional Tribute
In a moving segment, Alison Hammond shared how grateful she was for Frizzell’s belief in both her and Josie Gibson. “
He’s the one that took a chance on us, transforming mine and Josie’s careers,” Hammond said tearfully. “It’s an incredible opportunity, and we just want to say thank you very much. We love you.”
Josie Gibson, also visibly emotional, echoed Hammond’s sentiments.
“Thank you so much because you believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself,” she said.
“You grew me as a presenter, and I just can’t thank you enough.”
Frizzell, a man known for his humble and light-hearted approach, responded with his signature wit.
“If you were rubbish, you wouldn’t be on telly,” he said with a smile. “You’re very good. It has been a great ride, a fantastic time.”
A Family-Oriented Decision
Martin Frizzell, 66, made the difficult decision to leave This Morning in November after his wife, Fiona, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2022.
His departure is a personal one, as he wants to focus more time on caring for her.
“Next year, I’m expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them,” he explained last year.
“I love my team at This Morning, and I will miss them and the thrill of live telly, but it’s an always-on, 24/7 commitment, and I won’t be able to do both.”
Frizzell’s legacy on the show includes overseeing the production of over 6,000 hours of live, topical television, along with many meaningful campaigns that impacted viewers’ lives.
He’s especially proud of initiatives around mental health, cancer awareness, and suicide prevention.
A Fun Farewell
In a fitting tribute to Frizzell’s time on the show, the team allowed him to select the Friday jukebox song.
His pick? Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” from 1997.
The lively anthem played out in the background, to the delight of Hammond, Gibson, and the entire team.
Fiona Phillips’ Upcoming Book on Alzheimer’s
In addition to Martin’s departure, it was revealed that Fiona Phillips, with Martin’s support, is set to release a book titled Remember this July.
The book will chronicle her experience living with Alzheimer’s disease, offering an honest and compassionate account of the challenges of the condition.
Phillips hopes that her book will provide comfort and insight to others facing similar struggles.
Reflecting on the book, Fiona said, “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.”
A Long-Standing Partnership
Martin and Fiona’s journey together began when they met while working on GMTV in the 1990s.
Despite dating for just four weeks, Martin proposed, and the couple married in Las Vegas in 1997.
Together, they have two children, Nathaniel and Mackenzie, both now in their 20s.
Frizzell’s Legacy on This Morning
Under Frizzell’s leadership, This Morning earned numerous awards but also faced some controversy, particularly surrounding the affair of former host Phillip Schofield.
Despite these challenges, Frizzell’s career has left an undeniable mark on the show and its audience.
As Martin Frizzell steps away to focus on his family, he leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and impactful television.
His departure from This Morning marks the end of an era for the show, one that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of working with him.