Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts has paid an emotional tribute to Judith Chalmers, his former co-star on the travel programme Wish You Were Here...?, following her death at the age of 90. The news of the beloved ITV presenter's passing was announced by her family on May 22, 2026, after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Martin Roberts Shares Heartfelt Words
Roberts, who worked alongside Chalmers for nearly a decade on the holiday show, expressed his deep sadness in a social media post. He wrote: "Oh, so sad to hear of the passing of Judith Chalmers. I worked with her on Wish You Were Here...? for eight years and she lived up to her name - always completely charming. One of the most famous people in the UK, and yet she always had time to talk to anyone. One thing is for sure - she's got a first-class ticket to heaven."
Fans quickly rallied around Roberts, with many sharing their own memories of Chalmers. One commented: "Oh, that's so sad. Met her a few years ago in a London restaurant and she was utterly charming." Another added: "Aww, sad news. She was always so cheerful." A third simply wrote: "Lovely words Martin."
Judith Chalmers' Remarkable Career
Born in Gatley, Cheshire, Chalmers began her broadcasting career at just 13 years old, performing on the BBC North programme Children's Hour alongside her sister Sandra. Throughout the 1960s, she presented popular shows such as Family Favourites and Woman's Hour for BBC Radio, as well as the dance programme Come Dancing from 1961 to 1965.
In the 1970s, she moved to ITV to host the daytime show Good Afternoon. Then, in 1974 at age 38, she began presenting Wish You Were Here...?, a role she held for nearly 30 years until 2003. The show not only cemented her status as a household name but also launched the career of her son, Mark Durden-Smith, who hosted the spin-off Wish You Were Here...? Now and Then.
Reflections on a Life of Travel
In a 2009 interview with The Independent, Chalmers expressed gratitude for her time on the travel programme, saying it allowed her to see "so much of the world and discover how different it is." She noted that when she first started, holidays were about "lying on the beach with lemons and oil," but she later grew to appreciate culture as well.
Chalmers also made headlines for a candid revelation during a 2008 episode of Loose Women. When asked by Graham Norton about her underwear choices on holiday, she admitted she went "pantless" while filming Wish You Were Here...? to avoid visible panty lines. "So I'm sorry to reveal that after 30 years of Wish You Were Here, I was pantless all the time," she laughed.
Family Statement and Legacy
Chalmers' family announced her death in an official statement, saying: "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."
Her legacy as a pioneering travel presenter and beloved television personality will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike.
