Judith Chalmers, the beloved television presenter who fronted ITV’s travel programme Wish You Were Here…? for nearly three decades, has died at the age of 90.
Her family confirmed on Friday that she passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday evening with loved ones at her bedside.
The broadcaster had been living with Alzheimer’s disease during her later years.
According to her family’s statement, her condition had deteriorated over recent weeks, which allowed relatives to gather and spend time with her before her death.
Judith Chalmers passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday evening
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Her family said: “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, 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.”
The presenter had experienced declining health for some time before becoming seriously unwell.
Ms Chalmers began her broadcasting career remarkably early, joining the BBC when she was just 13 years old.
Ms Chalmers experienced declining health for some time
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During the 1960s, she became a familiar voice on BBC Radio, presenting programmes including Family Favourites and Woman’s Hour.
She moved into television with ITV’s daytime magazine programme Good Afternoon before taking on the role that would define her career.
From 1974, she hosted Wish You Were Here…? the primetime travel series featuring 30-minute episodes showcasing holiday destinations around the world.
She remained at the helm of the programme until 2003, a tenure spanning almost three decades.
The primetime travel series showcased holiday destinations around the world
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The presenter’s contributions to broadcasting were recognised with an OBE in 1994.
Ms Chalmers was born in Gatley, Cheshire, where her journey into broadcasting would eventually begin.
She is survived by her husband, Neil Durden-Smith, who had a career as a sports commentator, along with their two children.
The couple had been together for many years, with photographs showing them attending events together as recently as 2016.
Fans of the beloved star were quick to share their heartfelt tributes on social media.
One fan wrote on X: “She encapsulated the holiday and the better times of the 1980s and 1990s. Whenever I travel, I often think of her reassuringly saying, ‘transfers included’ – which rarely happens in my case.”
Judith Chalmers and her husband, sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith
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“Oh now that is very sad news,” said another, as someone else added: “God bless her.”
A fourth pened: “Oh how I loved her!”