Phillips quit 'GMTV' over dementia concerns

Presenter Fiona Phillips has revealed that her father's dementia and fears that she may develop Alzheimer's were behind her decision to leave GMTV.

When the star announced she was leaving the ITV breakfast show, it was rumoured she wanted to spend more time with her family.

Now, the 47-year-old has admitted that her decision to quit mid-contract was due to her father suffering from Alzheimer's. The presenter's mother Amy also suffered dementia in the years before her death.

Phillips told the Sunday Times: "He keeps forgetting words and it's so sad because he was such an active, intelligent man with an opinion on everything.

"I'm 47 and my mum was in her late fifties when she developed Alzheimer's, so I am very aware that I may have only ten years left of life as I know it.

"I must admit that it has contributed to my feeling of time flashing by. Why slog away getting up at 4am when you might not be able to look after your family in the way you want to later on?" she said.

Phillips is married to GMTV's programme editor Martin Frizell and the couple have two young sons.