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Boston Globe
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Kim Woodburn, British TV's no-nonsense ‘Queen of Clean,' dies at 83
Advertisement She was 60 years old at the time, and she nailed the audition, which involved scrutinizing a young woman's grimy flat in West London. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'Well, this is a flaming comic opera, isn't it,' Ms. Woodburn declared in the woman's terrifyingly filthy kitchen, as she recalled in her 2006 memoir, 'Unbeaten: The Story of My Brutal Childhood.' 'You look so clean yourself, and yet you live like this. Talk about fur coat, no knickers!' Her salty slang was one of the great pleasures of the show, which a Lifetime network executive once described as 'Queer Eye' meets 'Absolutely Fabulous' meets 'The Weakest Link.' The network imported the series to the United States for a few seasons. Ms. Woodburn, usually clad in a crisp white uniform and rubber gloves trimmed with pink feathers -- one reviewer described her as a cross between Mother Teresa and the British madam Miss Whiplash -- would shame and bully hapless homemakers week after week: 'Don't be a mucky puppy underfoot!' 'Scrub, dear, don't tickle!' 'What in the name of normal is all this?' Advertisement MacKenzie, wearing a white lab coat, played scientist, taking samples from sticky counters, from which she always seemed to discover evidence of E. coli, bubonic plague or toxic mold spores. Maggots were a recurring theme. Oprah Winfrey devoted an episode of her show to the pair, and they wrote a housekeeping manual -- a bestseller in Britain. Their show ran from 2003 to 2009 (the American version ran from 2004 to 2006) and spawned 'Too Posh to Wash,' a spinoff about personal hygiene. One of its six episodes featured a woman who never laundered her bra. The co-stars were an irresistible team, though Ms. Woodburn -- 'camp as Christmas,' as The Telegraph described her -- was the standout. After the series ended, she appeared on 'I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here' (in which celebrities are 'trapped' in a 'jungle'; Ms. Woodburn came in second) and 'Celebrity Come Dine With Me' (celebrities cook each other meals; Ms. Woodburn got squiffy, or pretended to be). Most notoriously, she was in the cast of 'Celebrity Big Brother,' in which demi-celebrities are confined together in a house and viewers vote on who gets the heave-ho. Ms. Woodburn would regularly spar with her housemates. 'Go away, you adulterer,' she blasted one, Jamie O'Hara, a British footballer, whom she described as a 'chicken-livered bugger.' When she berated Coleen Nolan, another housemate, calling her 'a two-faced maggot,' security bustled Ms. Woodburn off the show. Advertisement Was it pantomime? Nobody cared. Her behavior and reputation as the rudest woman on television was the stuff ratings are made from, and viewers tuned in by the millions to watch her many dust-ups, which canny television presenters invited her to perform on many more shows. MacKenzie stayed in television, too, but had a less explosive career. 'R.I.P. Kim,' Anita Singh of The Telegraph wrote this week. 'You were spectacularly rude. And, more often than not, you were right.' Patricia Mary McKenzie was born March 25, 1942, in Eastney, a district of Portsmouth on the South Coast, to Richard and Mary Patricia (Shaw) McKenzie. Her father served in the Royal Marines. Her upbringing was horrific. Her parents separated when she was young, and Pat, as she was known, was physically abused by her alcoholic mother and occasionally by her mother's boyfriend. She had stints in foster homes, group homes and a convent. Blind in one eye, Pat suffered in school, which she left at 15 to go to work, turning over her earnings to her mother. At 16, she left home and worked where she could -- in pubs, hotels and department stores, where she sold cosmetics. In her early 20s, she changed her name to Kim, after actress Kim Novak, and to separate herself from her mother, who also went by Pat. In her memoir, Ms. Woodburn wrote of delivering a stillborn baby when she was 23 and burying him in a park in Liverpool, where she was living at the time, digging his grave with a wooden spoon. When the book came out, she was questioned by the police for concealing the baby's birth, but she was never charged with a crime. Advertisement Her first marriage, to an abusive, adulterous police officer, ended in divorce in 1975. She married Pete Woodburn, another police officer, in 1979. Kim Woodburn worked as a beautician and then as a social worker caring for girls in juvenile detention centers. After she married Woodburn, the two became live-in housekeepers for wealthy families in the United States, Norway and the United Kingdom. Pete Woodburn survives her. It was while Kim Woodburn and her husband were working for a Saudi Arabian sheikh at his house in Kent -- a dream job, she said, with the family in residence only six weeks a year -- when she went on the audition that would lead to her TV fame. The 'Queen of Clean,' as the British tabloids called her, was often called on to provide household tips. One of her top five involved dinner parties. Her advice: 'Don't have one.' This article originally appeared in
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Popstar due to appear on Celebrity Gogglebox in first ever reality TV appearance
Celebrity Gogglebox's cast is set to become even more star studded as a string of new names have been added to the upcoming series line-up including popstar Rag'n'Bone Man A popstar is due to appear on the most recent series of Celebrity Gogglebox in his first ever reality TV appearance. Rag'n'Bone Man has had a successful music career so far but is now giving TV a go. The singer, whose real name is Rory Graham, is appearing on the Channel 4 programme alongside another famous face. The 40-year-old will be sitting alongside TV star and comedian Romesh Ranganathan on the sofa as they watch and review the top television offerings of the week. Romesh, 47, is a well-known face in the world of showbiz and has plenty of TV experience, hosting The Weakest Link as well as A League Of Their Own, The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, The Ranganation and much more. Meanwhile, Rag'n'Bone Man's TV experience is slightly more limited – but the Human singer has acting credits in EastEnders, making a cameo appearance when he performed for The Queen Vic's pub-goers. Now, the duo will be appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox together and shared a clip where they confirmed the news. Romesh can be heard saying: "Hello I'm Romesh and this is Rory [Rag'n'Bone Man]. We are gonna be on Celebrity Gogglebox, aren't we?" Rag'n'Bone Man then added: "Yes we are, this Friday at 9pm." Rag'n'Bone Man tied the knot with his long-term partner, Zoe, last year after a difficult road in their relationship. Zoe and the singer got married on Saturday 9 November 2024 in front of their closest friends and family members. Ahead of the big day, a source said: "Rory is really down to earth and he and Zoe love their quiet life out of the spotlight. But the wedding won't be low-key, as they're having all their friends and family involved for a massive celebration, with a huge party afterwards." Zoe and Rag'n'Bone man first got together back in 2020 but split for a time in 2021 due to the star's busy schedule. A source said at the time: "Things have been full-on for Rory around the release of his album and everything, so it has been difficult to spend a lot of time together. It hasn't worked out between them and they have called things off." However, the split only lasted a few months as they rekindled their romance and by June 2024 they were engaged. This is the singer's second marriage as his first didn't work out. The chart topping star was married before his now-wife but it was a short-lived relationship. He was first married to Beth Rouy in 2019 after they were in a relationship with each other for 10 years beforehand. The former couple share a son together but their marriage broke down soon after they said their vows. Just six months after their wedding day was reported, the couple split and went their separate ways.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge popstar signs up to Celebrity Gogglebox in first ever reality TV appearance alongside TV favourite
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELEBRITY Gogglebox have signed up a major popstar in his first ever reality TV appearance. The Channel 4 show has seen a raft of famous faces join the programme this summer and now it's adding a chart-topping music star and a TV and comedy favourite to the bill. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Rag'n'Bone Man has teamed up with Romesh Ranganathan for Celebrity Gogglebox Credit: Channel 4 6 It will be the singer's first reality TV stint Credit: Getty 6 The duo will make their debut on Friday's show Credit: Channel 4 The Sun can revealed that Human singer Rag'n'Bone Man - whose real name is Rory Graham - has signed up to the programme to make his first ever reality TV appearance. The 40-year-old will be seen on screens for the first time tomorrow night to watch through all of the nation's favourite shows. He will be joined by comedian and TV host Romesh Ranganathan on the sofa. Romesh is best known for hosting the revival of The Weakest Link as well as his shows on BBC Radio 2 and his partnership with Rob Beckett. Confirming their appearance on the show in a light-hearted clip, a deadpan Romesh said to the camera: "Hello I'm Romesh and this is Rory [Rag'n'Bone Man]. "We are gonna be on Celebrity Gogglebox, aren't we?" Rag'n'Bone Man, dressed in a pink T-shirt, then added: "Yes we are, this Friday at 9pm." It will be the popstar's first foray into the world of reality television following a string of successful albums and singles. The star has won Brit Awards and even duetted with global superstar Pink on the hit, Anywhere Away From Here. Rag'n'Bone Man and Romesh are the latest famous duo to take on the role of Gogglebox critique. Luke Littler reveals he's signed up to HUGE reality show alongside YouTuber mate The Sun were the first to reveal last week that Darts superstar Luke Littler had become the programme's biggest signing. The 18-year-old paired up with his close pal and popular internet personality, AngryGinge. Also appearing on the current run of the show are Nick Grimshaw and Richie Anderson. 6 They are the latest famous duo to sign up Credit: Channel 4 6 Romesh is best known for working on The Weakest Link Credit: BBC
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge popstar signs up to Celebrity Gogglebox in first ever reality TV appearance alongside TV favourite
CELEBRITY Gogglebox have signed up a major popstar in his first ever reality TV appearance. The Channel 4 show has seen a raft of famous faces join the programme this summer and now it's adding a chart-topping music star and a TV and comedy favourite to the bill . 6 Rag'n'Bone Man has teamed up with Romesh Ranganathan for Celebrity Gogglebox Credit: Channel 4 6 It will be the singer's first reality TV stint Credit: Getty 6 The duo will make their debut on Friday's show Credit: Channel 4 The Sun can revealed that Human singer The 40-year-old will be seen on screens for the first time tomorrow night to watch through all of the nation's favourite shows. He will be joined by comedian and TV host Romesh is best known for hosting the revival of The Weakest Link as well as his shows on BBC Radio 2 and his partnership with Rob Beckett. Read More on Gogglebox Confirming their appearance on the show in a light-hearted clip, a deadpan Romesh said to the camera: "Hello I'm Romesh and this is Rory [Rag'n'Bone Man]. "We are gonna be on Celebrity Gogglebox, aren't we?" Rag'n'Bone Man, dressed in a pink T-shirt, then added: "Yes we are, this Friday at 9pm." It will be the popstar's first foray into the world of reality television following a string of successful albums and singles. Most read in Reality The star has won Brit Awards and even duetted with global superstar Pink on the hit, Anywhere Away From Here. Rag'n'Bone Man and Romesh are the latest famous duo to take on the role of Gogglebox critique. Luke Littler reveals he's signed up to HUGE reality show alongside YouTuber mate The Sun w Darts superstar The 18-year-old paired up with his close pal and popular internet personality, Also appearing on the current run of the show are and . 6 They are the latest famous duo to sign up Credit: Channel 4 6 Romesh is best known for working on The Weakest Link Credit: BBC 6 The Human singer has had a successful music career Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Russell Martin's glam ex-model Wag ‘excited' to go to Ibrox now that boyfriend has bagged Rangers job
LU-KINF FORWARD TO IT Russell Martin's glam ex-model Wag 'excited' to go to Ibrox now that boyfriend has bagged Rangers job Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUCY PINDER has told pals she is buzzing about her boyfriend Russell Martin landing the Rangers job and can't wait to go to games. The actress and ex- model — one of the most popular lads' mags pin-ups of the noughties — is said to be 'excited' to see Ibrox rocking on match days. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 3 Lucy Pinder is a former model and is the girlfriend of Rangers boss Russell Martin Credit: PA:Press Association 3 Martin will get to work as the new head coach at Ibrox this week Credit: PA 3 Pinder and Martin together on the beach Credit: Instagram She started dating former Scotland international Martin, 39, last year while he was boss of her beloved Southampton. But Lucy is now looking forward to spending lots of time north of the border with the Teddy Bears' new gaffer. A source close to the beauty, 41, said: 'Lucy has told friends they are very happy and excited to be in Scotland. 'She's a big football fan and looks forward to taking in games at Ibrox. It's an exciting chapter for her and Russell.' Martin, who had a short stint as a Gers player in 2018, has signed a three-year contract as Rangers' head coach. He said in a club video: 'It's been a long, long few weeks, it's been interesting, but it's been good. It's brilliant to be back. I love the city and I love the people.' Lucy's modelling career began in 2003, when she was discovered at 19 by a photographer on Bournemouth beach. She had been planning to go to the University of Winchester to study English literature. Speaking after her sudden rise to fame, Lucy said: 'The weather was so fantastic I threw a sickie and sneaked off to the beach with my friends. 'I was shocked when a bloke came up and asked if he could take some pictures. 'I don't know why I did it, but I'm glad I did.' When lads' mags went out of fashion a decade ago, Lucy had already enjoyed stints on BBC drama Hotel Babylon and shows including The Weakest Link and Celebrity Big Brother. Her film career began in 2012, when she was in comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves. She later attempted to crack Hollywood and appeared in the movie Sharknado 5. Lucy once said: 'My past modelling career can be a hindrance when trying to get acting roles but that's all part of the fun, trying to change people's perceptions.' Charity pride RUSSELL MARTIN has spoken of his pride in transforming troubled young lives via his charity. He set up the Russell Martin Foundation in 2017 and raised millions of pounds to help people in his home city of Brighton. Russell said: 'Our football programmes have flourished, providing players of all abilities with more opportunities to learn, build confidence and improve health and wellbeing.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
