Television personality Kim Woodburn, the Portsmouth-born cleaning expert famous for How Clean Is Your House and appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, has died aged 83 following a brief illness, her management team confirmed on Monday.
The outspoken television star, renowned for her no-nonsense attitude and memorable television moments, passed away after a short illness, according to a statement from her representatives.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Eastney on 25th March 1942, Woodburn departed Portsmouth at just 16 years of age, relocating to Liverpool where she secured employment as a live-in domestic cleaner. This early experience in household management would prove instrumental in launching the career that would make her a household name.
Rise to Fame with How Clean Is Your House
Woodburn achieved widespread recognition through Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House, which broadcast from 2003 to 2009. The programme showcased her expertise in domestic cleaning alongside her distinctive presenting style. Her success led to international opportunities, including a Canadian adaptation titled Kim’s Rude Awakenings, where she worked alongside Mike Chalut.
The original series concluded in August 2009 when Woodburn announced her departure, prompting Channel 4 to cancel the programme.
Reality Television Career
Following her cleaning show success, Woodburn became a familiar face on British reality television. She participated in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, where she secured second place behind winner Gino D’Acampo. Her Celebrity Big Brother appearance resulted in a third-place finish but generated significant media attention.
Controversial Television Moments
In August 2018, Woodburn’s appearance on ITV’s Loose Women became headline news when she departed the set during filming. The incident occurred during questioning about her relationship with fellow Celebrity Big Brother contestant Coleen Nolan. The programme’s handling of the situation attracted criticism, with nearly 8,000 viewers lodging complaints with broadcasting regulator Ofcom regarding alleged bullying behaviour from the panel.
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Recent Career Activities
Woodburn remained active in television during her later years, making several appearances on GB News in 2022. She also participated in E4’s Celeb Cooking School, though she became the first contestant eliminated from the cooking competition.
Personal Statement
Her management released a statement expressing their grief: “It is with immense sadness that we announce our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness. Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person. Her husband, Peter, is heartbroken at the loss of his soulmate.”
The statement continued: “We are immensely proud of the amazing achievements Kim accomplished throughout her life and career. We respectfully request that Kim’s husband and close friends receive the time and privacy necessary to grieve. No further details will be released.”
Woodburn leaves behind her husband Peter, who says devastated by the loss of his wife.
