Judith Chalmers, the iconic host of the long-running travel show Wish You Were Here…?, has passed away at the age of 90, her family confirmed to ITV News. Judith, who had been battling Alzheimer’s disease in recent years, died peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by her loved ones, following a brief illness.
In a heartfelt statement, her family reflected on her extraordinary 60-year broadcasting career, noting that while they will miss her immensely, she leaves behind “a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories.”
It read: “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.”
Born in Cheshire, Chalmers launched her broadcasting career with the BBC at just 13 years old. She later hosted major radio programs like Woman’s Hour and Family Favourites in the 1960s, before moving to ITV to present the daytime magazine show Good Afternoon.
Her broadcasting legacy continues through her son, Mark Durden-Smith, whom she shared sports presenter Neil Durden-Smith, who has hosted major programs for ITV, Channel 5, and Prime Video.
Who is Judith Chalmers’ famous son?
Mark Durden-Smith, 57, was born on 1 October 1968 and has worked as a British TV presenter since the late 90s, when he began his career at the now-defunct London station Channel One, before scoring a job fronting the rugby coverage at Sky Sports.
Judith’s son was one of the original presenters of Channel 4’s breakfast show RI:SE, which launched in April 2002 and has since appeared as a host on ITV2’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me out of Here! Now, as well as the channel’s Aviva Premiership Rugby Highlights and Sky 1’s The Match.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesHe has also presented a spin-off series from his mother’s show Wish You Were Here…? , called Wish You Were Here…? Now and Then. The 25-part series saw Mark revisit destinations originally toured by Judith to see how much they have changed.
In his personal life, Mark married former TV producer Rachel Morse on 11 December 2004, and the couple share three children.
Who is Judith’s husband?
Neil Durden-Smith was born on 18 August 1933 and carved a career for himself as a former sports commentator, after leaving behind his job as a naval officer. He also played a small number of first-class cricket matches.
© Dave BenettHe tied the knot with Judith in 1964, and the pair were married until her recent death. Together, they welcomed their son, Mark, and their daughter, Emma, who works as a public relations consultant.
In the past, Judith spoke about their relationship and explained why Neil was her perfect travel companion. She said: “When we first started doing Wish You Were Here, it was in the days of just lying on the beach with lemons and oil. These days, a holiday for me has wonderful beaches somewhere, but I don’t sit in the sun like I used to. I like a bit of culture, too.”
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