TV Star Kim Woodburn Dies at 83
Kim Woodburn, the beloved star of the popular reality TV show "How Clean Is Your House?", has passed away at the age of 83 after a short illness, her manager confirmed. The news was announced in a statement on Tuesday, which described Woodburn as an "incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person".
According to her manager, Woodburn died on Monday surrounded by her loved ones. Her husband, Peter, is said to be "heartbroken" at the loss of his "soulmate". The family has requested that they be given time and privacy to grieve, and no further details will be released.
Woodburn rose to fame in 2003 when she was selected as one of the hosts of Channel 4’s "How Clean Is Your House?" alongside journalist Aggie Mackenzie. The show, which was based on Woodburn’s professional cleaning experience, became a surprise hit, attracting 4 million viewers and matching the ratings of "Big Brother". As the show’s "dirt detective", Woodburn was known for her forthright comments and sharp tongue, once telling The Guardian that its offices were a mess, saying "It’s sheer laziness! If your mum could see this she’d smack your bum!"
The Guardian had the opportunity to speak with Woodburn in 2003, when she visited our offices to inspect its cleanliness. Woodburn, who began her cleaning career at the age of 16 as a live-in cleaner for a laundrette-owning family, earning just £2.10 a week, described her early experiences as "I was just a piece of flesh". Her no-nonsense approach to cleaning and her sharp wit made her a household name, and she went on to appear in numerous other TV shows, including "I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!" and "Celebrity Big Brother".
In an interview with The Guardian, Woodburn reflected on her experiences as a cleaner and her rise to fame. "I was just a normal person, doing a normal job, and then suddenly I was on TV, and people were watching me and laughing at me," she said. Woodburn’s success on "How Clean Is Your House?" led to her becoming a reality TV star, and she appeared in several other shows, including the Australian jungle edition of "I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!" in 2009, where she came runner-up to Gino D’Acampo.
Woodburn’s personal life was not without controversy, however. Her 2006 autobiography, "Unbeaten", caused a stir when she admitted to having a stillborn child in her early 20s and burying the body in a Liverpool park. The book’s serialization led to Merseyside police considering whether to take legal action, although ultimately no action was taken. Woodburn also made headlines in 2017 when she stormed off the set of "Loose Women" during a reunion with fellow host Coleen Nolan, following a falling out during a previous appearance on "Big Brother".
Tributes have been paid to Woodburn by her colleagues and friends, including TV presenter Lizzie Cundie, who appeared alongside Woodburn on the "Big Brother" analysis show "Bit on the Side". "Very sad to hear Kim Woodburn has passed away," Cundie said. "We had many fun times on the Big Brother Bit on the side show, such a character and she always said what she thought! A ball of energy that will be very much missed."
Woodburn’s legacy as a TV personality and cleaning expert will be remembered for years to come. Her straight-talking approach and sharp wit made her a beloved figure on British television, and her contributions to the world of reality TV will not be forgotten.
As news of Woodburn’s passing continues to spread, fans and colleagues alike are paying tribute to her memory. The outpouring of support and affection for Woodburn is a testament to her enduring popularity and the impact she had on those who knew her.
Photograph: Dan Chung/The Guardian.
