Lorraine Kelly announced the sad news of Celebrity Big Brother star, Kim Woodburn, on her ITV show today, but some irate fans accused her of ‘lacking empathy’

Lorraine Kelly has been slammed by fans after announcing the sad news of Kim Woodburn’s death today. The How Clean Is Your House? star passed away on Monday, aged 83, her family announced, leaving Kim’s legion of loyal fans heartbroken.

Lorraine, 65, halted her ITV show today to announce the news, telling viewers: “Some news just breaking in the last few minutes, Kim Woodburn has died at the age of 83. Famous, of course, for The How Clean is Your House? and her controversial time on Celebrity Big Brother.” The Scot then read out Kim’s family’s statement, which explained the star had died following a short illness, before telling viewers: “Right! It’s ten past nine…”

Kim Woodburn has sadly died aged 83(Image: ITV)

Some fans were not impressed by Lorraine’s delivery of Kim’s passing, with several taking to X to air their grievances. One said: “I’m actually shocked at the lack of empathy Lorraine showed announcing the death of Kim Woodburn. Appalling. Hope #ITV see these comments.”

Another agreed, saying: “Yeah, I thought the same. Couldn’t wait to go onto the next segment of the show”. A third shared: “A very mealy mouth announcement from #lorraine about the passing of #kimwoodburn” while a fourth accused the presenter of being “very business like”.

Four months after Kim’s last ever Instagram post on Valentine’s Day in which she asked fans to send in their messages so she could record videos for them in her iconic tone, the star’s family announced that she had died.

A message was posted on her Instagram three months ago saying Kim was unable to record any more messages due to ill health before a statement from her spokesman read today: “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.”

Paying tribute to Kim, who starred in a string of shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, one of her fans posted: “I can’t believe kim woodburn has died, an absolute icon of reality TV who I quote daily (and will continue to do so) RIP to a legend.”

Another said: “BEYOND devastated to hear the news today that TV legend and icon Kim Woodburn has sadly passed away. There will never be anyone like Kim. RIP.”

While a third shared: “So sad to hear about Kim Woodburn. She will be missed.”