Beloved British TV personality and gay icon Kim Woodburn has died at the age of 83, following a short illness.Her representatives shared the news in a statement on Monday, June 16, saying: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness.”
Known as the “Queen of Clean,” Kim rose to fame co-hosting Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House? from 2003 to 2009. Her bold personality and no-nonsense attitude made her a household name—and a cherished LGBTQ figure. Kim became an unlikely reality TV sensation. From I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! to Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, her dramatic confrontations and iconic one-liners made her a social media favorite.
Her CBB spats with Coleen Nolan and Nicola McLean became legendary—especially among queer fans, who turned them into viral memes still quoted today. She was frequently impersonated by drag queens, including RuPaul’s Drag Race stars like Victoria Scone and The Vivienne, and even appeared with The Vivienne on Netflix’s I Like To Watch UK.
Fans and drag artists have flooded social media with tributes, calling her a “legend,” “diva,” and “true gay icon.” Rest in power, Kim Woodburn.
