Judith Chalmers, the beloved presenter of the long-running ITV travel show Wish You Were Here … ?, has died at the age of 90. Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones, after living with Alzheimer's in her final years.
Chalmers fronted more than 500 episodes of the programme between 1974 and 2003, becoming a household name for her warm, approachable style and sun-kissed tan. Her family said she leaves behind 'a giant suitcase of the happiest memories' after an extraordinary life spanning over 60 years in broadcasting.
Born in Gatley, Cheshire, in 1935, Chalmers began her career at the BBC aged 13 as a child actor. She debuted on television in 1956 and later presented Come Dancing and BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. Her sister Sandra also became a broadcaster, editing Woman's Hour in the 1980s.
Despite her glamorous image, Chalmers admitted the job was far from a holiday, often working 14-hour days. She once revealed she never wore knickers on camera to avoid visible panty lines, a confession that made headlines in 2008.
She is survived by her husband, former sports presenter Neil Durden-Smith, and their son Mark, a TV presenter known for I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and This Morning.
