Veteran TV Presenter Judith Chalmers Dies Aged 90

Veteran British television presenter Judith Chalmers has died at the age of 90 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Chalmers, best known for fronting the long-running travel programme Wish You Were Here…?, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, surrounded by family, according to relatives.

Her family said the television icon had become seriously ill in recent weeks before her passing.

Chalmers was a familiar face on British television for decades, earning widespread recognition for hosting Wish You Were Here…? from 1974 until 2003. The programme became one of Britain’s most popular travel shows, inspiring generations of viewers with holiday destinations from around the world.

In recognition of her contribution to broadcasting, Chalmers was awarded an OBE in 1994.

Beyond travel television, she also hosted ITV’s daytime magazine programme Good Afternoon and presented several BBC radio programmes, including Family Favourites and Woman’s Hour during the 1960s.

Born in Cheshire, England, to an architect father and a medical secretary mother, Chalmers began her broadcasting career at a remarkably young age.

She joined the BBC at just 13 years old after being selected for the BBC Northern Children’s Hour, marking the beginning of a media career that would span decades.

Outside television, Chalmers remained active in public life in later years. In 2022, Heathrow Airport appointed her as its “Chief Smile Officer,” a symbolic role celebrating her warm public image and long-standing connection with travel.

She is survived by her husband, former sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith, their two children and six grandchildren.