Television presenter Judith Chalmers, best known for hosting the long-running travel programme Wish You Were Here…?, has died at the age of 90. Her family confirmed the news to ITV News, stating that she passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones, following a period of ill health in recent weeks. Chalmers had been living with Alzheimer's disease in her final years.
In a heartfelt statement, her family said: 'After living an extraordinary life that involved over 60 years in broadcasting and countless adventures all over the globe, Judy sadly passed away last night, surrounded by the family she loved so much after suffering with Alzheimer's for some years. We will miss her greatly but she leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories.'
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born in Cheshire, Chalmers began her broadcasting career at the BBC at the tender age of 13. She went on to present popular radio programmes such as Woman's Hour and Family Favourites during the 1960s. Her television career flourished as she presented the BBC's Come Dancing from 1961 to 1965, and later the ITV magazine show Good Afternoon. She also hosted the Miss World contest on ITV in the 1980s and the BBC's Children's Television Club, which eventually evolved into the iconic Blue Peter.
Iconic Travel Show and Later Appearances
Chalmers became a household name for her role on Wish You Were Here…?, which she presented from 1974 to 2003. The show explored travel destinations across the globe, inspiring generations of viewers. In her later years, her television appearances became less frequent, but she still made guest spots on programmes such as ITV's Good Morning Britain, the BBC's The Graham Norton Show, and Channel 5's Celebrity Taste of Italy.
Family Legacy
Her son, Mark Durden-Smith, is also a well-known television presenter, having worked on shows like ITV's I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Now!, This Morning, and rugby coverage for Prime Video, Channel 5, and ITV. Mark followed in his mother's footsteps by hosting a revival of Wish You Were Here…? in 2008, titled Wish You Were Here…? Now & Then, which revisited locations from the original series to see how they had changed. Chalmers and her son also appeared together on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip in 2013.
Personal Life and Honours
Chalmers married sports presenter Neil Durden-Smith in 1964, and they lived together in London until her death. In 1994, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to broadcasting. Her father was an architect, and her mother worked as a medical secretary. She is survived by her sister Sandra, two children, and six grandchildren.
Judith Chalmers leaves behind a remarkable legacy in British television, remembered for her warmth, adventurous spirit, and contribution to travel broadcasting.
