Judith Chalmers dies aged 90: Wish You Were Here…? presenter remembered for decades of travel reports

Dearly loved TV presenter Judith Chalmers passed away at her home on Thursday evening, May 21, aged 90. She had entertained and brought joy to millions of Brits, introducing them to Spain and other sunny climes.

Family members issued a statement on Friday confirming she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones after living with Alzheimer’s in her final years. Her health had declined gradually, and she became seriously ill in recent weeks, which gave relatives their time to stay close by her side.

Relatives described an extraordinary life spanning more than 60 years in broadcasting with adventures across the globe. They noted she leaves behind a wealth of happy memories.

Early entry into broadcasting

Judith Chalmers first appeared on air at the age of 13 after selection for BBC Northern Children’s Hour. Born in Gatley, Cheshire, she went on to present popular BBC radio programmes, including Family Favourites and Woman’s Hour, throughout the 1960s.

More television work included presenting the ballroom dancing competition Come Dancing between 1961 and 1965, when dancers still “sewed on all their own sequins”. She also regularly fronted the ITV daytime magazine programme Good Afternoon and its later versions during the 1970s.

Iconic role in Wish You Were Here…?

However, Judith Chalmers was probably best loved through her long association with the travel series Wish You Were Here…?. She began presenting the 30-minute holiday reports in 1974 and continued until 2003.

Many episodes featured destinations around the world and offered practical advice for viewers planning their own trips. Co-hosts over the years included Chris Kelly and John Carter.

Her contributions to broadcasting earned recognition in 1994 when she received an OBE. She also hosted Miss World on ITV along with related UK beauty pageants in the 1980s and presented a mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2 from 1990 to 1992.

Family life and later years

Judith Chalmers married former sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith in 1964. The couple raised two children, and she is survived by her husband and their family, which includes six grandchildren.

One son, Mark Durden-Smith, followed her into television presenting. In later years she made occasional appearances on programmes such as Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and Celebrity Taste of Italy.

Broadcasters and viewers have been paying tribute to her warm style and extensive career that introduced countless people to the joys of travel through television. Her work on Wish You Were Here…? in particular created lasting connections with audiences over nearly three decades.

Family members expressed deep sadness at her passing yet emphasised the many positive recollections she leaves behind.