 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.  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.  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.  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. 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 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.  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.  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 
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 Dame Patricia Routledge, the celebrated actress whose versatile career delighted audiences across stage, screen, and television with her extraordinary talent and vibrant energy, has passed away at the age of 96. She died peacefully in her sleep on 3 October 2025, surrounded by love, as announced by her agent in a touching statement.  Born Katherine Patricia Routledge on 17 February 1929 in Tranmere, Birkenhead, on the Wirral Peninsula, she grew up in a theatre-enthusiastic family behind her father Isaac's gentlemen's outfitters shop. From her school days at Birkenhead High School, Patricia showed a flair for performance, refined through elocution classes. Initially envisioning a career as an innovative headmistress, she studied English Language and Literature at the University of Liverpool, where her passion for acting blossomed in the dramatic society under the guidance of lecturer Edmund Colledge.  After training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Patricia made her professional debut in 1952 as Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Liverpool Playhouse. A longstanding member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, she excelled in roles from Richard III to Othello. Her West End debut came in 1954 with The Duenna, highlighting her powerful contralto voice. On Broadway, she triumphed in 1966 with How's the World Treating You?, and won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1968 for Darling of the Day, praised as a "spectacular" debut. In 1988, her portrayal of the Old Lady in Candide at the Old Vic earned her the Olivier Award.  Television elevated Patricia to widespread fame. Early appearances included Coronation Street in 1961 and Z Cars. She became a cherished collaborator of Alan Bennett, starring in his 1982 monologue A Woman Of No Importance and the Talking Heads series, with standout performances in A Lady of Letters and Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet, earning a BAFTA nomination. Her role as the self-assured Kitty in Victoria Wood's As Seen on TV showcased her comic genius.  Patricia's most iconic role was Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet") in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances (between 1990 and 1995), which attracted up to 13 million viewers. Nominated for two BAFTAs, she infused the character with resilience and charm, describing Hyacinth as a figure who "flew the flag" despite mishaps. The series became a global favourite, inspiring fan letters from all ages. She later starred in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (between 1996 and 1998), relishing the character's grounded appeal. Film credits included To Sir, With Love (1967) alongside Sidney Poitier.  In 1999, Patricia moved to Chichester, West Sussex, supporting local causes like the cathedral. Honoured with an OBE in 1993, CBE in 2004, and damehood in 2017 for services to theatre and charity, she held honorary degrees from several universities. Devoted to her craft, she never married or had children, viewing acting as her total commitment, and advised aspiring performers to embrace risk.  Tributes highlight her legacy: BBC's Jon Petrie called her an actor of "remarkable range", whose Hyacinth became "instantly recognisable and loved worldwide". Gyles Brandreth remembered her as a "great star", while fans hailed her as a "national treasure" who illuminated lives. D Dame Patricia's enduring spirit continues to inspire through her timeless roles.  |
AuthorAndy Gibson for InformingBritain.com Archives
May 2026
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