Judith Chalmers Passes Away at 90
Television presenter Judith Chalmers, renowned for hosting ITV's long-running travel programme Wish You Were Here...?, has died at the age of 90.
"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."
Chalmers also presented a variety of other programmes, including Come Dancing, ITV's Good Afternoon, and BBC radio shows such as Woman's Hour and her own programme on Radio 2.
"We will miss her greatly but she leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories."
According to , her health had been in decline for some time, and she became seriously ill in recent weeks, allowing her family "time to be together with her."
Career Highlights
Chalmers began presenting ITV's primetime travel show Wish You Were Here...? in 1974 and continued in this role until 2003, becoming a familiar and cherished face on British television.
An ITV spokesman commented on her passing, stating:
"As the host of Wish You Were Here...? for four decades, Judith Chalmers became one of the most beloved faces of British broadcasting.
Her indelible contribution to television made Judith a national treasure and a lasting favourite amongst our audience, and we send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends at this very sad time."
Early Life and Broadcasting Beginnings
Born in Gatley near Manchester, Chalmers started her broadcasting career at the age of 13 when she was selected to present the radio programme Children's Hour from Manchester.
She transitioned to television in the 1950s, appearing on Children's Television Club, a precursor to Blue Peter. Subsequently, she moved to London where she worked as an on-screen announcer for BBC TV and hosted several programmes before joining ITV to present afternoon magazine shows.
Among these was Afternoon Plus, which notably featured the first television appearances of Dame Mary Berry, who was then cookery editor of Home and Freezer Digest.
Wish You Were Here...? offered viewers insights into various holiday destinations and became a popular staple in television schedules.
Additional Work and Honours
Chalmers also hosted events such as Miss World and presented a daily morning show on BBC Radio 2 during the early 1990s.
In recognition of her contributions to broadcasting, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1994.
Personal Life and Legacy
She was married to sports presenter Neil Durden-Smith, with whom she had two sons.
In 2008, one of their sons, TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith, hosted a revived version of her most famous programme titled Wish You Were Here…? Now & Then, which revisited locations featured in the original series.
