Television presenter Judith Chalmers, best known for hosting the travel show Wish You Were Here…?, has died at the age of 90, her family has announced.
Family Statement
In a statement to ITV News, her son Mark Durden-Smith confirmed that Chalmers had been living with Alzheimer's disease in her final years. She passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by her family, after becoming ill in recent weeks.
The statement read: “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.”
Career Highlights
Born in Cheshire, Chalmers began her career at the BBC at just 13 years old. She went on to present radio programmes such as Woman’s Hour and Family Favourites in the 1960s, before moving to ITV to host the magazine show Good Afternoon.
She also presented the BBC’s Come Dancing from 1961 to 1965, the Miss World contest on ITV in the 1980s, and the BBC’s Children’s Television Club, which later evolved into Blue Peter.
In later years, her TV appearances became less frequent, but she still made guest spots on shows such as ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the BBC’s The Graham Norton Show, and Channel 5’s Celebrity Taste of Italy.
Family and Personal Life
Chalmers married sports presenter Neil Durden-Smith in 1964, and they lived together in London until her death. Her son, Mark Durden-Smith, is also a well-known TV presenter, having worked on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Now!, This Morning, and rugby coverage for Prime Video, Channel 5, and ITV.
Chalmers also had another child, a sister named Sandra, and six grandchildren. Her father was an architect and her mother a medical secretary.
Legacy and Recognition
Chalmers is best remembered for her role on Wish You Were Here…?, which she presented from 1974 to 2003, exploring travel destinations around the world. In 2008, her son hosted a revival called Wish You Were Here…? Now & Then, revisiting original locations to see how they had changed.
In 1994, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to broadcasting.
Tributes
Caroline Scates, director of nursing services at Dementia UK, expressed condolences: “We’re sorry to hear that TV presenter Judith Chalmers has died having lived with Alzheimer’s disease and send our condolences to her family. We hope her family are receiving the support they need at this difficult time.” She urged families affected by dementia to contact the charity’s helpline.
