Judith Chalmers, the much-loved British television presenter best known for hosting ITV’s long-running travel show Wish You Were Here…?, has died at the age of 90. Her family confirmed that she passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening, surrounded by loved ones, after becoming seriously ill in recent weeks.

Chalmers had been living with Alzheimer’s disease in her final years. In a family statement, they said she had lived “an extraordinary life” across more than 60 years in broadcasting, with countless journeys around the world and a career that made her one of the most recognisable faces on British television.

“We will miss her greatly but she leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories,” her family said.

A broadcasting career that began at just 13

Born in Gatley, Cheshire, Judith Chalmers began her career at the BBC when she was only 13. She went on to present BBC radio programmes including Family Favourites and Woman’s Hour, before becoming a familiar face on television.

She also presented the BBC’s Come Dancing from 1961 to 1965 and appeared on children’s broadcasting programmes, including Children’s Television Club, which later became closely linked to the development of Blue Peter.

Her defining role came in 1974 when she began presenting ITV’s Wish You Were Here…?. The programme took viewers to holiday destinations across the world and became a regular part of British television for decades. Chalmers remained with the show until 2003, making her name almost inseparable from travel television.

According to The Guardian, Chalmers hosted more than 500 episodes of Wish You Were Here…? and became known for her warm, calm and trusted presenting style.

Family, honours and tributes

Chalmers was also known for presenting the Miss World contest on ITV during the 1980s and later hosted programmes on BBC Radio 2. In 1994, she was appointed an OBE for services to broadcasting.

She was married to former sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith. The couple had two children, including television presenter Mark Durden-Smith, and six grandchildren. In 2008, Mark hosted Wish You Were Here…? Now & Then, a revival that revisited destinations from the original series.

Following news of her death, fans paid tribute online, with many describing her as a “national treasure” and a defining figure from a golden era of British television.

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Judith Chalmers leaves behind a broadcasting legacy built on warmth, professionalism and a rare ability to make the wider world feel close to home.

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