Judith Chalmers facts for kids

Judith Rosemary Locke Chalmers, born on October 10, 1935, is a famous English television presenter. She is most well-known for hosting the travel show Wish You Were Here...? for many years, from 1974 to 2003. She retired from regular presenting in 2017.

Early Life

Judith Chalmers was born in Gatley, Cheshire, England. Her father worked as an architect, and her mother was a medical secretary. She had a sister named Sandra.

Both Judith and Sandra went to Withington Girls' School. This was an independent school located near Manchester.

Television Career

Starting Young

Judith Chalmers began her broadcasting career at a very young age. She was only 13 years old when she started working for the BBC. A producer named Trevor Hill chose her for a show called BBC Northern Children's Hour.

Her younger sister, Sandra, also appeared on Children's Hour. Sandra later became the editor of a famous radio show called Woman's Hour. Judith presented many shows from Manchester. One of these was Children's Television Club, which later became the well-known children's show Blue Peter.

Radio and Dance Shows

In the 1960s, Judith Chalmers hosted two big BBC radio programmes. These were Family Favourites and Woman's Hour. She also acted in The Clitheroe Kid and worked with comedian Ken Dodd on his radio show.

From 1961 to 1965, Chalmers presented Come Dancing for the BBC. This was a popular programme about ballroom dancing competitions.

Hosting Travel and Beauty Shows

During the 1970s, Judith Chalmers often presented ITV's daytime magazine show Good Afternoon. She also hosted its follow-up shows, like Afternoon Plus.

In 1974, she started presenting ITV's holiday programme Wish You Were Here?. She continued in this role until 2003. She first worked with Chris Kelly and later with John Carter on the show.

In the 1980s, Chalmers was a regular host for the Miss World contest on ITV. She also presented other beauty pageants in the UK, such as Miss United Kingdom.

Later Appearances

From 1990 to 1992, Judith Chalmers hosted the mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2. She took over from Ken Bruce, who then returned to the show after she left.

In 2001, Chalmers appeared on Lily Savage's Blankety Blank. In 2013, she took part in an episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip on BBC Two. She did this show with her son, Mark Durden-Smith.

In recent years, her television appearances have been mostly short spots. She has appeared on chat shows like Good Morning Britain and Lorraine. In 2017, Chalmers took part in Channel 5's Celebrity Taste of Italy.

In 2022, when she was 86 years old, Chalmers was given a special role. She became Heathrow Express's new chief smile officer.

Personal Life

Judith Chalmers has been married to sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith since 1964. They live in north London. They have two children, including the television presenter Mark Durden-Smith. Judith Chalmers also has six grandchildren.

In 1994, Chalmers was appointed an OBE. This is a special honour given to people for their achievements.