Martin Roberts, best known as the host of Homes Under the Hammer, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former co-star Judith Chalmers, who died at the age of 90. Chalmers, a beloved ITV presenter, passed away on May 21 after living with Alzheimer's disease for several years.
Roberts worked alongside Chalmers on the holiday programme Wish You Were Here...? for nearly a decade. 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 were quick to share their condolences, with one recalling meeting Chalmers in a London restaurant and finding her 'utterly charming'. Another described her as 'always so cheerful'.
Chalmers' family confirmed 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.'
Born in Gatley, Cheshire, Chalmers began her broadcasting career at age 13 on BBC's Children's Hour. She went on to present programmes such as Family Favourites, Woman's Hour, and Come Dancing before moving to ITV in the 1970s. She hosted Wish You Were Here...? from 1974 to 2003, a role that also launched the career of her son, Mark Durden-Smith.
Chalmers once revealed on Loose Women that she often went without underwear while filming the holiday show to avoid visible panty lines, a confession that garnered national attention. She is survived by her family and a legacy of warmth and charm.
