Judith Rosemary Locke Chalmers, the much-loved television presenter best known for bringing the world into British living rooms as the face of Wish You Were Here...?, has died at her North London home.
She was 90.
She was 90.
Born on 10 October 1935 in Gatley, Cheshire, Judith was the daughter of an architect father and a Medical Secretary mother.
She and her younger sister Sandra attended Withington Girls School in Manchester.
Her broadcasting career began remarkably early; at just 13 she was chosen to appear on BBC Northern Children's Hour, where her warmth and natural presence were immediately apparent.
Her sister also featured on the programme, marking the start of a lifelong connection to the airwaves.
She and her younger sister Sandra attended Withington Girls School in Manchester.
Her broadcasting career began remarkably early; at just 13 she was chosen to appear on BBC Northern Children's Hour, where her warmth and natural presence were immediately apparent.
Her sister also featured on the programme, marking the start of a lifelong connection to the airwaves.
After secretarial college in Manchester, Judith became a familiar voice and face on BBC regional output.
Judith presented Children's Television Club (a forerunner of Blue Peter), hosted the long-running ballroom dancing series Come Dancing between 1961 and 1965, and contributed to popular radio programmes such as Family Favourites and Woman's Hour.
Judith was also the original "Susan" in the comedy series The Clitheroe Kid and provided a sparkling foil for Ken Dodd.
Judith presented Children's Television Club (a forerunner of Blue Peter), hosted the long-running ballroom dancing series Come Dancing between 1961 and 1965, and contributed to popular radio programmes such as Family Favourites and Woman's Hour.
Judith was also the original "Susan" in the comedy series The Clitheroe Kid and provided a sparkling foil for Ken Dodd.
In the 1970s she moved to ITV, presenting the daytime magazine Good Afternoon and its successors.
It was, however, her association with Wish You Were Here...?, which she hosted from 1974 to 2003, that secured her place in the nation's affections.
Viewers relished her enthusiastic yet reassuring manner as she explored destinations from the exotic to the everyday, often signing off with the programe's famous catchphrase.
She later co-presented with John Carter, and the series remained a fixture of Friday evening schedules for nearly three decades.
In the 1980s she also fronted the Miss. World contest and associated British beauty pageants.
It was, however, her association with Wish You Were Here...?, which she hosted from 1974 to 2003, that secured her place in the nation's affections.
Viewers relished her enthusiastic yet reassuring manner as she explored destinations from the exotic to the everyday, often signing off with the programe's famous catchphrase.
She later co-presented with John Carter, and the series remained a fixture of Friday evening schedules for nearly three decades.
In the 1980s she also fronted the Miss. World contest and associated British beauty pageants.
Judith’s broadcasting career continued into later life with guest appearances on Good Morning Britain, The Graham Norton Show, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and Celebrity Taste Of Italy.
In 2022, at the age of 86, Judith was appointed Heathrow Express "Chief Smile Officer".
Judith was appointed OBE in 1994 for Services To Broadcasting.
In 2022, at the age of 86, Judith was appointed Heathrow Express "Chief Smile Officer".
Judith was appointed OBE in 1994 for Services To Broadcasting.
In 1964 she married the Sports Commentator Neil Durden-Smith; the couple remained devoted for more than six decades.
They had two children, including the television presenter Mark Durden-Smith, and six grandchildren.
In her final years Judith lived with Alzheimer's Disease, a condition her family spoke of with characteristic openness and dignity.
She died peacefully at home on the evening of 21 May 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
They had two children, including the television presenter Mark Durden-Smith, and six grandchildren.
In her final years Judith lived with Alzheimer's Disease, a condition her family spoke of with characteristic openness and dignity.
She died peacefully at home on the evening of 21 May 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Her family said in a statement:
"She led an extraordinary life and leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories."
Colleagues and viewers alike have paid warm tribute to a presenter whose genuine charm and infectious enthusiasm for travel inspired generations to explore the world.
"She led an extraordinary life and leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories."
Colleagues and viewers alike have paid warm tribute to a presenter whose genuine charm and infectious enthusiasm for travel inspired generations to explore the world.
Judith Chalmers will be remembered as one of British television's most enduring and likeable personalities, a true professional whose gentle style and obvious delight in her work made her a welcome visitor in millions of homes for more than sixty years.
Judith Rosemary Locke Chalmers
10 October 1935 - 21 May 2026
10 October 1935 - 21 May 2026
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