Kim Woodburn told fans 'I refuse to die' in hopeful health update before death

Daily Mirror

17-06-2025

How Clean Is Your House star Kim Woodburn told fans she 'refused to die' in a health update three years before her death, after undergoing a major operation
Kim Woodburn has died aged 83, her family has confirmed.
The TV star, who shot to stardom for her no-nonsense attitude and witticisms on Channel 4's How Clean Is Your House with Aggie MacKenzie, died on Monday.
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Her beloved husband-of-46-years Peter, who she lived with in their Nantwich, Cheshire home, is "heartbroken" over the loss of his soulmate.
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Kim passed away after battling a brief illness. Renowned for not holding back, the Noughties icon never shied away from speaking about her health woes and before her death she shared a candid update with her fans following an operation.
Kim reassured fans in April 2022 that she "refused to die" as she sported a huge plaster around her neck after having her 'throat cut' by doctors. The queen of clean worried fans as she shared a photo of herself in a hospital gown as she sat up in bed.
After receiving hundreds of concerned messages, she took to Instagram to share what happened as she swigged some gin and ate a handful of grapes. She told fans: "Hello my loves. Thank you for all your good messages and I'll tell you what's gone on.
"I had a disk behind the ear that was fractured or something was broken and the doctor - the specialist - had to go in, he cut a big hole in my throat here and somehow went in with his fingers. He took out the rotten disk and he put a titanium disk in.
"I'm getting back the use in my fingers, because it was killing my fingers, and that was the reason he did it. Because of my legs, I wouldn't have been able to walk."
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Wiggling her fingers, she added: "I think it's quite good. I'm not dying, my lovies, I refuse to die, dear. Letters from all around the world have been coming in. Thanks my loves, I don't half appreciate them."
Picking up a large glass, which she swigged from, she said: "Excuse me while I have my gin. Lovely!"
At the time, her fans flocked to the comments to wish her well, with one writing: "icon, get well soon queen!" While another commented: "Love ya Kim you little b***."
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Following the news of her death, Kim was described as an "incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person" by her loved ones, who were "so proud" of what she achieved in her career.
A representative for Kim shared in a statement: "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."