TV Personality Kim Woodburn dies aged 83 after short illness

[dutchman]

TV star Kim Woodburn (above right) has died aged 83.

Woodburn rose to fame presenting Channel 4's How Clean Is Your House?, but found new fans after her appearance in 2017 on Celebrity Big Brother.

Her death was announced in a statement from her representative on Tuesday.

It 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."

Kim Woodburn presented How Clean Is Your House alongside co-presenter Aggie MacKenzie. The show first aired in 2003 and its popularity eventually saw Woodburn become the highest paid female presenter on Channel 4.

The show's success led to Woodburn and MacKenzie presenting a cleaning segment on the Oprah Winfrey show in America, as well as numerous appearances on other TV shows.

Remembering Kim Woodburn on Tuesday, her How Clean Is Your House co-host Aggie MacKenzie paid tribute, touching on their at times tumultuous relationship.

"Kim was a tormented soul, but now she’s finally at peace," said Mackenzie.

"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 Woodburn took part in ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here where she finished as runner up.

Alongside further TV appearances, in 2017 she competed in a season of Celebrity Big Brother, finishing third. The appearance led to new interest in her work and a popularity which her agent attributes to her "honest, no nonsense, straight talking approach."

Irish popstars Jedward, whose real names are John and Edward Grimes, came second in the same series, striking up a friendship with Woodburn.

Paying tribute on Tuesday, they said: “Rest in peace Kim Woodburn, you’re forever our Celebrity Big Brother friend.

“We grew up watching you and to share those memories together, you will be truly missed for the TV gold you created for all generations.

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