Judith Chalmers, the much-loved television presenter best known for hosting the long-running holiday programme Wish You Were Here, has died at the age of 90. Her family confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that she had been living with Alzheimer's disease in her final years.
Chalmers began her broadcasting career in the 1950s, working for BBC Radio before moving into television. She became a household name as the face of ITV's Wish You Were Here, a holiday magazine programme that ran from 1974 to 2003. Her warm, reassuring style made her a trusted guide for millions of British viewers planning their annual getaways.
Beyond Wish You Were Here, Chalmers presented other travel and lifestyle programmes, including Holiday and Holiday Special on the BBC. She also appeared on shows such as This Morning and The One Show. In 2011, she was awarded an OBE for her services to broadcasting and charity.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans. Broadcaster and travel journalist Simon Calder described her as 'the queen of travel TV,' while ITV said she 'brought sunshine into living rooms across the nation.' Her family has requested privacy at this time.
Chalmers is survived by her son, the television producer and director Mark Chalmers. Her husband, Neil Durden-Smith, died in 2020. Her legacy as one of British television's most enduring and beloved presenters is assured.
Source: Family statement