Judith Chalmers, the warm and familiar face who introduced millions of Britons to dream holiday destinations through the hit ITV travel series Wish You Were Here...?, has died at the age of 90.

Her family confirmed that the veteran broadcaster passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening, surrounded by loved ones, after living with Alzheimer’s in recent years.

For generations of viewers, Chalmers wasn’t just a TV presenter — she was part of the holiday itself. Long before travel influencers and glossy Instagram reels took over, she brought sunshine, beaches and bucket-list destinations into British living rooms every week with a charm that felt effortless.

Her family described her life as an “extraordinary” one filled with travel, adventure and more than six decades in broadcasting. In a statement, they said she leaves behind “a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories.”

Born in Cheshire in 1935, Chalmers entered broadcasting incredibly young, beginning work with the BBC at just 13 years old. Over the decades, she became one of the most recognisable women on British television, appearing on programmes including Woman's Hour, Family Favourites and the iconic dance series Come Dancing.

But it was Wish You Were Here...? that made her a household name.

Chalmers fronted the travel programme from 1974 until 2003, becoming synonymous with package holidays at a time when overseas travel was beginning to boom for British families. Whether she was filming from Mediterranean beaches, luxury cruise ships or hidden European towns, she had a way of making every destination feel both glamorous and reachable at the same time.

She was awarded an OBE in 1994 for her contributions to broadcasting and tourism.

Outside television, Chalmers was also known for her long marriage to former sports commentator Neil Durden-Smith. The couple had two children, including television presenter Mark Durden-Smith, who followed his parents into the media world.

Tributes quickly began pouring in online after news of her death broke, with many viewers remembering her as one of the defining faces of British television during the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

For countless families, Judith Chalmers represented more than travel television. She represented excitement, escape and the simple joy of planning the next adventure.