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Judith Chalmers: TV's Sunny Travel Icon Dies at 90
22 May
Summary
- She was the beloved host of ITV's 'Wish You Were Here' for nearly 30 years.
- Chalmers was a respected broadcaster known for her warm and poised presenting style.
- Her career spanned decades, beginning in the 1950s across radio and television.
Judith Chalmers, the cherished television presenter famed for her role on ITV's 'Wish You Were Here', has died at the age of 90. She became a national treasure for her warm and engaging broadcasts from holiday destinations around the globe.
Chalmers fronted 'Wish You Were Here' for almost 30 years, from the early 1970s to the early 2000s. Her presenting style was a hallmark of middlebrow escapism, balancing consumer advocacy with a genuine warmth that endeared her to millions.
Her distinguished career commenced in the 1950s, with early work in radio, including a stint on BBC's 'Woman's Hour'. She later transitioned to television, becoming a familiar and trusted face on BBC and then ITV.
Chalmers was instrumental in launching other careers, notably inviting Mary Berry onto her ITV daytime show 'Good Afternoon', helping to set her on a path to stardom. She also presented other popular programmes such as 'Come Dancing' and 'Royal Ascot'.
Recognised for her contributions, Chalmers was appointed OBE in 1994 and received an outstanding contribution to tourism award in 2004. She is survived by her husband, Neil Durden-Smith, and their children, Mark and Emma.
