Remembering Kim Woodburn

The star of How Clean Is Your House and social media videos has died aged 83…

Kim Woodburn who found fame in 2003 on Channel 4 series How Clean Is Your House? has died aged 83 after a brief illness it has been confirmed today. Kim, who co-starred on the from grim to gleaming home cleaning series with Aggie Mackenzie for seven series later found fame appearing on shows such as I’m A Celebrity… and Celebrity Big Brother. In recent times she also became a social media hit posting videos on Instagram to her 94.8K followers.

A statement issued to BBC News from Kim’s management 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.”

Born Patricia Mary McKenzie in Eastney, Hampshire on 25 March 1942, Kim overcame a harrowing childhood—marked by physical and sexual abuse—to forge a trailblazing path in British television. At 16, she fled home and worked as a live-in cleaner in Liverpool, earning a modest £2.10 a week. She later became a model, with glamourous photoshoots wowing her fans when she released some of the images many years later.

Television and national fame however didn’t arrive until late in life. In 2002, while working in Kent, she auditioned for Channel 4 and was cast in How Clean Is Your House?, co-presenting alongside Aggie MacKenzie from 2003–2009. The show spawned books, board games, DVDs—and even aired in the US. In 2006, she published her memoir Unbeaten, detailing her traumatic early life.

Co-star of HCIYH? Aggie Mackenzie said in a statement to The Sun:

“Kim was a tormented soul, but now she’s finally at peace. We clashed often. Behind the fierce persona was deep pain and incredible strength. She survived because she had to. I hope she’s resting now. She was an unforgettable woman.”

In 2009, Kim finished as runner-up on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and in 2017, she finished third on Celebrity Big Brother, cementing her status as a reality TV icon. Later ventures included pantomime roles nationwide, a cleaning range at Poundland, and guest spots on several shows.

She was also courted by ITV Daytime for her outspoken views. She appeared on shows such as Loose Women and This Morning. However in later years she fell out of flavour with the broadcaster – after  her CBB appearance where she took a dislike to their star Coleen Nolan – which culminated in a shocking live broadcast by Loose which drew over 3000 complaints to the telly regulator, Ofcom. In the live 2018 edition that had been described as ‘an attempt to settle their feud’ saw ITV pit – or bear bate as some viewers called it – two Nolans against Kim.

Linda and Coleen, mocked, sneered and insulted Woodburn during a tense exchange that left Woodburn in tears. She broke down as she discussed her traumatic childhood, to shots of the two Nolan women pulling faces, before Kim had enough and ended the charade by walking off the set. The proceedings all over seen by Janet Street Porter dressed as a judge to add a comic effect to the disgraceful offering. This programme is one of the few, unaspiringly, not available on the ITV Archive.

TV writer Johnathan Harvey:

“RIP Kim Woodburn- one of the best ever Big Brother contestants. “I nominate Nicole” “It’s Nicola” “Don’t you start you silly bitch!” Never less than great value. What a loss.”

Having gained a cult following from her CBB stint which saw endless social media memes made of Kim, her fans didn’t play along to the ITV Daytime rhetoric that it was all ‘just a tragic situation’ and instead called it out for what it was – a live public humiliation of someone who had dared take on one of their personalities. It led to Coleen Nolan having to take an extended break from Loose Women and a planned tour received such poor ticket sales Nolan had to cancel it.

Claire Sweeney:

“Kim Woodburn was a legend. When we did Come dine with me, She was hysterical, she called me the slapper of the Parish and accused me of spiking her dessert with pink Gin, she was telly gold. She Was always so kind when I saw her out with Peter. She was also a truly memorable part of Celebrity big brother. She will be missed…..RIP Kim Woodburn”

TV Producer Lee Smithurst:

“Sad to hear about Kim Woodburn. I only worked with her once in 2018 and she was everything you would want her to be. After finishing filming she noticed the venue was next to a school and said ‘Im a big hit with the primary kids, dear. Has anyone got a pen?’ – she was right.”

Known for her brash, no-nonsense style, Kim catapulted to fame with the catchphrase: “scrub, dear, don’t tickle!”  and lots of sentences ending in “luvvie”. In 2025, Kim shared a heartfelt Valentine’s Day message to fans—but soon after, health concerns arose and a notice was posted saying that due to ill health Kim wasn’t able to do any more videos for the foreseeable future.

On 16 June 2025, she passed away at 83, in Cheshire. She leaves behind her husband Peter, who described her as his “soulmate.” Colleagues and fans alike remember her strength, charisma, and indelible TV presence.

Jedward:

“Rest in Peace My Lovely You had our back when we got bullied in CBB and we will never forget that. There will never be another Kim Woodburn”

Kim Woodburn—the indomitable “Queen of Clean”—rose from adversity to become a household name. From transforming filthy houses to delivering iconic telly moments and unfiltered commentary, she was unapologetically herself. Her journey from an abused teenager to a confident media figure remains a powerful tale of resilience, wit, and style.

And despite This Morning trying to diminish Kim’s iconic status as ‘The Queen of Clean’ by introducing their own less than fit to scrub Kim’s shoes with banana skins offering – there will only ever be one Queen of Clean, the original utterly unique Kim Woodburn.

“Rest in peace, Kim—your sparkle and spirit will be missed, but never forgotten.” – ATV Today TV Critic Vivian Summers