The world is mourning the loss of Kim Woodburn, the beloved How Clean Is Your House? star who passed away at 83 on June 16 after a short illness. Known for her no-nonsense charm and larger-than-life personality, Kim captured hearts across the UK and beyond. Here’s the latest on her passing, her incredible life, and the outpouring of love from fans and stars alike.
A Heartbreaking Loss for Fans
Kim’s family confirmed her death today breaking hearts everywhere. A statement from her representative read “It is with immense sadness we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday after a short illness. Kim was an incredibly kind caring charismatic and strong person.” Her husband Peter Woodburn is said to be heartbroken, grieving the loss of his soulmate. Fans are asked to respect their privacy during this painful time.
Kim’s Final Days and Health Struggles
Kim had been open about her health battles in recent years. In March she posted on Instagram that she’d pause recording personalized fan videos due to a health problem sending love to her followers. Back in 2022 she faced a terrifying hospital dash for emergency neck surgery after a neck injury left her with a “big hole” in her throat. Despite the pain she told fans she “refused to die” showing her fierce spirit. She also had eye surgery recently and lived with lifelong conditions like alopecia and partial blindness. Her resilience inspired many but her sudden illness this month proved too much.
The Queen of Clean’s TV Legacy
Kim rose to fame in 2003 on Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House? alongside Aggie MacKenzie. Her blunt advice and dramatic flair turned filthy homes into sparkling spaces making the show a hit. She later shined on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 finishing third after fiery clashes that became TV gold. Kim also appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2009 coming runner-up and was a regular on Loose Women and This Morning. Her bold opinions like calling Gino D’Acampo a “little pig” or Louis Walsh “two-faced” kept her in the spotlight. Fans loved her for never holding back.
Tributes Flood Social Media
Fans and celebs are sharing their grief online. TV host Dan Wootton called Kim his “favorite guest” praising her for bursting “the bubble of prissy celebrities.” One fan wrote “I can’t believe Kim Woodburn has died. An absolute icon of reality TV I quote daily. RIP legend.” Another shared “Kim’s video message lifted me from depression. I’ll watch it forever. Thank you Queen of Clean.” Lorraine Kelly paused her ITV show this morning to announce the news calling Kim a “true character.” The love shows how deeply Kim touched lives.
A Life of Triumph Over Tragedy
Born Patricia Mary McKenzie in 1942 Kim faced a tough childhood in Hampshire marked by abuse from her parents. At 16 she left home working as a cleaner in Liverpool before Channel 4 discovered her in 2002. She changed her name to Kim after actress Kim Novak and never looked back. Kim’s 2006 autobiography Unbeaten revealed a stillborn son she buried at 23 a secret that led to a police inquiry but no charges. Her strength in sharing such pain endeared her to fans. She married Peter in 1979 finding love after a difficult first marriage.
Kim’s impact lives on through her TV moments and the fans who adored her. Some are calling for Channel 4 to air How Clean Is Your House? reruns in her honor. Others hope her story inspires more no-filter stars. Her fallout with Aggie MacKenzie who called Kim a “bully” remains a sad note but Kim stayed gracious refusing to speak ill of her co-star. As tributes pour in it’s clear Kim’s legacy as the Queen of Clean will shine forever.