Kim Woodburn, the outspoken British TV personality affectionately known as the “Queen of Clean”, has died at the age of 83 following a brief illness, her manager confirmed on June 17, 2025. Born Patricia McKenzie in Portsmouth in March 1942, she rose from humble beginnings to national fame, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, sharp wit, and unwavering honesty.
📺 From Live-In Cleaner to TV Icon
Kim’s career began not on television, but as a live-in cleaner in her teens after leaving home at 16—a refuge from her troubled childhood. In 2002, Channel 4 scouted cleaners via a casting call. Kim’s candid personality and humor stood out, landing her a spot alongside Aggie MacKenzie on How Clean Is Your House?, which ran from 2003 to 2009.
The format was simple yet addictive: Kim and Aggie tackled filthy homes, wielding rubber gloves and earthy catchphrases like, “scrub dear, don’t tickle.” Their chemistry and transformative results made them household names and produced spin-offs, books, games, and an Oprah appearance.
🎭 Reality TV and Unfiltered Opinions
Kim did not shy away from the reality TV spotlight. She competed in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2009, finishing runner-up, and later placed third on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017. She was a regular guest on shows like Loose Women and This Morning, often sparking lively debates with her frank opinions—such as a notorious confrontation with Coleen Nolan that triggered more than 3,000 complaints to Ofcom.
💔 Personal Struggles & Health Challenges
Kim endured a tough upbringing: physical abuse from her parents and sexual assault by her father, which she shared in her 2006 autobiography Unbeaten.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Age at death | 83 |
| 🔹 Date of death | June 16, 2025 |
| 🔹 Cause | Brief illness; no foul play suspected |
| 🔹 Survived by | Husband Peter Woodburn (married since 1979); no children |
Later health issues included vision problems—she was born nearly blind in one eye—which became more pronounced over time. In March 2025, she underwent surgery, paused public appearances, and canceled Cameo videos to focus on recovery.
🕯️ Tributes Pour In, Legacy Celebrated
A statement from her manager described Kim as “incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong,” adding that her husband, Peter Woodburn, is “heartbroken” as the family asks for privacy. Co-host Aggie MacKenzie also paid tribute, describing her as “unforgettable,” acknowledging their professional ups-and-downs but mutual respect after six seasons together.
Fans, celebs, and TV peers responded on X (formerly Twitter):
Jedward: “Rest in Peace Kim Woodburn… TV gold”
Lizzie Cundy: “A ball of energy that will be very much missed”
🔍 Legacy & Impact
Kim Woodburn’s journey—from obscurity to stardom—embodied grit and authenticity. As a cleaning expert turned TV personality, she brought warmth, comedy, and candor to millions. Her catchphrases influenced later cleaning influencers like Mrs. Hinch and Marie Kondo.
Despite her tough exterior, sources recall a woman of deep compassion and inner pain—resolute and unfiltered. She used her public platform for empowerment, not just housekeeping tips.