Judith Chalmers, the beloved presenter of the long-running ITV travel series 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 recent years. They described her as leaving behind 'a giant suitcase of the happiest memories'.
Chalmers presented more than 500 episodes of the show from 1974 to 2003, becoming a household name for her warm, approachable style and sun-tanned appearance. She once revealed she never wore knickers on camera to avoid visible panty lines, a confession that made headlines in 2008.
Born in 1935 in Gatley, Cheshire, she began her broadcasting career at age 13 on BBC Children's Hour. She later hosted Come Dancing and BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour before finding fame with Wish You Were Here. Despite the show's holiday theme, she insisted it was hard work, often involving 14-hour days.
Chalmers is survived by her husband of 60 years, former sports presenter Neil Durden-Smith, and their son Mark Durden-Smith, a TV presenter known for I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and This Morning.
