UMVA has learned that beloved television host Judith Chalmers has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and adventure that captivated audiences for decades.
According to her family, Chalmers died peacefully at home on Thursday evening, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease in her final years. Her family had been by her side in recent weeks as her health declined.
Judith Chalmers was a broadcasting legend, beginning her career at just 13 years old at the BBC, where she worked on iconic shows such as Family Favourites and Woman's Hour. Her charming on-air personality quickly made her a household name.
In the 1970s, Chalmers became synonymous with travel television when she took the helm of ITV's hit show Wish You Were Here…?, a position she held from 1974 to 2003. The program's 30-minute episodes transported viewers to exotic destinations, inspiring a generation of armchair travelers.
Throughout her remarkable career, Chalmers received numerous accolades, including an OBE in 1994. Her son, Mark Durden-Smith, briefly followed in her footsteps, hosting a reboot of Wish You Were Here…? in 2008.
As news of her passing spreads, tributes are pouring in for a woman who brought joy and excitement to countless lives through her work. Her family's statement has offered a glimpse into her final days, surrounded by love and warmth.
