TV legend Judith Chalmers, best known for hosting Wish You Were Here...?, has passed away at the age of 90. The much-loved presenter, a veteran of British broadcasting, had been living with Alzheimer's in her final years.
In a statement provided to ITV News, Chalmers's family confirmed that the presenter had died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones, with her health having declined in recent weeks.
"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," reads the statement.
"[She was] 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," it concludes.
Chalmers began her career with the BBC at just 13 years of age, making her debut on Children's Hour for BBC Northern. In the 1960s, she hosted radio programmes such as Family Favourites and Woman's Hour.
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She got her breakthrough in 1974 with Wish You Were Here…?, a travel programme in which she advised Britons on the best options for holidaying. She hosted the ITV series until 2003, while her son, Mark Durden-Smith, hosted spin-off Wish You Were Here...? Now & Then.
Chalmers, who also appeared on Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, was appointed an OBE in 1994. She is survived by her husband Neil Durden-Smith, who she wed in 1964, as well as her two children.
Several fans took to social media to pay tribute to the late presenter, with one writing on X: "When you've just come back off holiday: 'You have more holidays than Judith Chalmers!' She saw the world and had the best job ever. RIP Judith."
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"Rest in Peace, Judith Chalmers. Thank you for going on holidays for us, so we didn’t have to. Enjoy your final and ultimate holiday into the summer lands fair Judith. Fly fly fly!" wrote another, while a third called her a "TV legend".
A fourth echoed this sentiment, writing: "Such sad news to hear of the passing of Judith Chalmers. The lady who took us to all the places we wanted to visit. It would be lovely to see some old Wish You Were Here in memory of her."
Responding to the news, Caroline Scates, Director of Nursing Services at Dementia UK, told Digital Spy: "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.
"We urge families affected by dementia to reach out to our specialist Helpline. Staffed by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, our Helpline offers support and guidance on all stages of dementia, including grieving for a loved one. Anyone affected by dementia can contact the Helpline by calling 0800 888 6678 or emailing helpline@dementiauk.org."
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
