Celebrity Big Brother star Kim Woodburn dies aged 83 following ‘a short illness’ as tributes flood in
Kim Woodburn has died at the age of 83, her reps have confirmed.
In a statement to The Sun, they said: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know 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.
“We are so proud of the amazing things Kim achieved in her life and career.
“We kindly ask that Kim’s husband and close friends are given the time and privacy they need to grieve.
“We will not be releasing any further details.”
Details of Woodburn’s illness prior to her death haven’t been made public. However, the TV personality has been public about health woes of late.
On social media back in March, Woodburn confirmed she would have to stop recording personalised videos for her fans as a result of her health.
“No more videos for now, my loves, I need to get better,” she told her followers.
A post on her Instagram account read: “We regret to tell you that Kim is unable to record any further videos for the foreseeable future, due to a health problem.
“Kim sends her love to you all.”
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Woodburn rose to fame as one half of the iconic How Clean Is Your House? duo, but her career extended far beyond the cleaning show that made her a household name.
Born in March 1942, Woodburn left home at the age of 16. In 2017, she revealed that she had been sexually abused by her father from a young age, an experience that shaped much of her early life.
After leaving home, she moved to Liverpool and began working as a live-in cleaner. Her big break came in 2002 while she was working in Kent. Channel 4 approached a cleaning company looking for someone with a “funny temperament,” and Woodburn was recommended.
After a successful screen test, she was paired with Aggie MacKenzie, and the duo quickly became the faces of How Clean Is Your House?, which ran for six series until August 2009.
Later that year, Woodburn entered the jungle for ITV’s I’m A Celebrity and finished as runner-up to chef Gino D’Acampo.
The following year, she joined Celebrity Come Dine With Me alongside Claire Sweeney, Darren Day, and Tom O’Connor.
In 2011, she became a regular contributor to Big Brother’s spin-off series.
However, it was her explosive turn as a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 that reignited public fascination. She finished in third place and became known for her fiery confrontations and unfiltered commentary.
Woodburn also made frequent appearances on ITV’s Loose Women and This Morning, and over the years, gained a reputation for her outspoken views on fellow TV personalities.
In recent interviews, she didn’t hold back – calling Gino D’Acampo a “full of himself little pig” and branding Louis Walsh “nasty” and “two-faced” during his stint on Big Brother. She also criticised ITV and BBC executives for hiring reality stars as presenters.
Fans have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes following the news of Woodburn’s passing.
One fan wrote: “Can’t believe Kim Woodburn has died, an absolute icon of reality TV who I quote daily (and will continue to do so). RIP to a legend.”
Another shared: “RIP Kim Woodburn. Absolutely heartbroken. A woman who provided the nation with so much entertainment and took no crap from anyone her entire life. Thank you for the joy and the laughs. Forever our Queen of Clean. Forever our Kim x.”
A third fan added: “RIP Kim Woodburn. A true reality TV icon that always had me in stitches, especially on Celebrity Big Brother.”
One person posted a personal memory: “When I was in the literal pits of depression my mum got me a video message from Kim Woodburn and I still watch it all the time… RIP legend.”
Someone else reflected on her polarising yet unforgettable presence: “I’m absolutely stunned that Kim Woodburn is gone. Despite whether we loved or couldn’t stand her, I hope she is at peace now.”
Another tribute simply read: “Rest in peace, Kim Woodburn. My condolences to her family and friends.” (sic)