Judith Chalmers, the beloved presenter of ITV's Wish You Were Here...?, has died at the age of 90. The sad news was confirmed by her family on Friday (May 22), who said the TV star passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday evening. She had been living with Alzheimer's disease during her later years.
Family Tribute
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."
Career Beginnings
Born in Gatley, Stockport, to an architect father and a medical secretary, Judith and her sister Sandra Chalmers both attended Withington Girls' School, an independent day school in Fallowfield. At just 13, Judith began her media career when she was selected for BBC Northern Children's Hour. She went on to present two BBC radio programmes: Family Favourites and Woman's Hour.
Television Success
From 1961 to 1965, she presented the BBC's Come Dancing series. Judith then moved over to ITV on the daytime magazine programme Good Afternoon in the 1970s. However, her biggest programme was Wish You Were Here?, which she joined in 1974. Airing until 2003, she travelled the world and worked with the likes of Chris Kelly, Anthea Turner, and Mark Durden-Smith on the series. The show provided advice on travel and holidays and was vastly popular during its time on air.
Public Reaction
Fans have taken to social media to share their own tributes, with many calling her a "national treasure". The outpouring of love highlights the lasting impact she had on viewers across the UK.
