Coleen Nolan has revealed to her Loose Women colleagues that she 'wanted to sob' at finding out former ITV star Fiona Phillips had Alzheimer's, saying new of her diagnosis hit her 'like of ton of bricks.'
On Monday night, much loved ex GMTV presenter Fiona, 62, revealed upsetting news via an interview with The Mirror, which was even more of a bitter pill to swallow, given that her mum, dad and uncle have all suffered from the disease. While vowing to stay optimistic and to live 'fun and full life,' Fiona said: "It's something I might have thought I'd get at 80 but I was still only 61 years old. I felt more angry than anything else because this disease has already impacted my life in so many ways; my poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, and my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us."
Fiona's diagnosis was raised by Christine Lampard right at the starts of Wednesday's Loose Women, as the presenter shared just how much of a fan she has always been of the journalist and news anchor, before sending her well wishes from the panel. Coleen said the timing of Fiona's announcement had had a particular impact on her, given that she was only thinking last week just how much she loved her and missed seeing her on TV.
READ MORE: Lorraine Kelly sends support to ITV star after crushing diagnosis
And then,. haring just how sad Fiona's news had made her feel, given her own family's history with Alzheimer's, Coleen said: "Honestly, I was so shocked and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Obviously,. I've experienced the whole Alzheimer's thing with my mum and I know how, as a family, how traumatic that was and still is, to a degree."
She added: "You kind of....I don't mean you expect it, but it's less shocking if someone's late 70s/80s, you always assume, I have myself that you'll have some sort of dementia, but she was 61, before adding: "I could have sobbed when I heard her talking about it. Selfishly, it brought it all back."
Fiona has received a wealth of support from viewers and TV personalities alike, wit Lorraine Kelly calling her "amazing" as she spoke about her on Wednesday morning and Dr Hilary Jones describing the ex Strictly contestant as "a lovely and very warm and welcoming person."
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