Kim Woodburn, ‘How Clean Is Your House’ and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ Star, Dies at 83 After Short Illness; Husband Peter Leads Tributes

Kim Woodburn, Celebrated ‘Queen of Clean,’ Dies at 83
(Images: Kim Woodburn in her iconic role; with co-host Aggie MacKenzie; alongside husband Peter; and on reality TV shows.)

Kim Woodburn, the beloved TV personality known as the “Queen of Clean,” passed away at 83 on June 16 after a short illness. Her management confirmed the news, stating she died peacefully with her husband, Peter, by her side. Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, celebrating her vibrant personality and trailblazing career.

Rise to Fame
Kim became a household name at 60 as the fiery co-host of Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House? (2003–2009), where she charmed audiences with her no-nonsense cleaning tips and witty banter with Aggie MacKenzie. The show’s success led to regular appearances on This Morning and Loose Women, cementing her status as a TV icon.

Reality TV Stardom
Kim’s fearless persona shone in reality TV. She finished second on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (2009) and sparked headlines in Celebrity Big Brother (2017), where a fiery clash with housemates became a viral moment. Her candid humor also lit up Celebrity Come Dine With Me, with co-star Claire Sweeney calling her “TV gold.”

Tributes and Legacy
Co-host Aggie MacKenzie remembered Kim as a “tormented soul” with “incredible strength,” while This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard praised her “unforgettable” spirit. Fans flooded social media, hailing her as a “national treasure” who brought laughter to millions.

Health Struggles
In her final months, Kim faced health challenges, including eye surgery and a neck procedure in 2022. She paused her Cameo video service in March 2024, citing illness. Her last public appearance was in January at the funeral of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne.

Early Life and Resilience
Born in Hampshire in 1942, Kim endured a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and neglect. She left home at 17, working as a cleaner and model before TV fame. Despite near-blindness, diagnosed in adulthood, she thrived on-screen, crediting her spontaneity for bypassing autocues.

Controversies and Advocacy
Kim’s outspoken nature often made headlines. She criticized ITV’s “toxic” culture after a tense 2018 Loose Women episode with Coleen Nolan and recently condemned co-star Gino D’Acampo over misconduct allegations. Yet, her authenticity endeared her to fans, who admired her resilience.

Final Years
Kim lived in Cheshire with husband Peter, married since 1979. Her Instagram, managed by Peter in her final months, showcased her humor and warmth. She leaves behind a legacy as a pioneering entertainer who turned cleaning into must-watch TV.

(Images: Kim on I’m A Celebrity; with Peter at The Vivienne’s funeral; fan tributes.)

Farewell to a Legend
Kim’s journey from hardship to stardom inspired many. As Aggie MacKenzie poignantly noted, “She survived because she had to.” Her indomitable spirit and laughter will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Kim.

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