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OBE travel presenter Judith Chalmers dies after Alzheimer’s

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judith Chalmers died peacefully at her home on 21 May 2026, surrounded by family, after living with Alzheimer’s.
She presented ITV’s travel show “Wish You Were Here?” from 1974 to 2003, becoming a household name.
She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1994.
She married sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith in 1964.

History

Historical Context

After ITV ended the BBC’s monopoly in 1955, the 1962 Pilkington Report urged the BBC to diversify, prompting colour TV and the travel series Holiday on BBC1 in 1969, when the corporation’s audience share had fallen below 30%. ITV’s Wish You Were Here?, presented by Judith Chalmers from 1974, expanded that format, making travel shows a lasting British TV fixture.

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Story summary

Judith Chalmers died peacefully at her home on 21 May 2026, surrounded by family, after living with Alzheimer’s.
She presented ITV’s travel show “Wish You Were Here?” from 1974 to 2003, becoming a household name.
She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1994.
She married sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith in 1964.

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