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Art & Culture

British TV personality Kim Woodburn dies at age 83

Rest in peace.

Emily Sergeant - 17th June 2025

Kim Woodburn has died at the age of 83, it has been confirmed.

The reality TV personality and presenter, also affectionately known by the nickname 'The Queen of Clean', and most-commonly known as one half of the presenting duo for Channel 4's How Clean Is Your House? as well as being a regular panellist on ITV's Loose Women, has passed away following a short illness.

Her passing was announced by her representatives this morning, and she was described as being 'incredibly kind, caring, and charismatic'.

Announcing the TV star's death in a statement today, Kim's representatives wrote in tribute: "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."

The statement concluded by asking that Kim’s husband and close friends are 'given the time and privacy they need to grieve'.

It was also confirmed that no further details will be released to the public following this initial statement.

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Featured Images — Press Shots/Publicity Pictures

Art & Culture

The Leeds artist you’ve probably seen everywhere has just opened a beautiful shop in the city centre

Art by Arjo has officially got a permanent home in the city.

If you’re Leeds-obsessed, chances are you’ve seen an Art by Arjo print at some point. Maybe it was a drawing of Elland Road, maybe the Corn Exchange, maybe your university, favourite pub or one of Yorkshire’s many iconic landmarks.

And now, instead of waiting for the next market or scrolling through Instagram trying to decide which print to buy, you can find them all under one roof. Art by Arjo has landed in Leeds Corn Exchange.

And honestly, it feels like a pretty perfect home for a brand that's all about celebrating the places we know and love.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

For those who don't know the name, Art by Arjo is the work of Leeds-based artist Yusef Arjo, who has turned his background in architecture and love of drawing into a full-time creative business.

What started out with Yusef creating illustrations for family and friends eventually grew into something much bigger. In 2018, he took the leap into becoming a full-time artist, building Art by Arjo into a business selling his detailed architectural illustrations across the UK and beyond.

And now, he's gone from market stalls to his own permanent shop in the heart of Leeds. The whole idea behind the brand is pretty simple: take the places people love and turn them into something they can hang on their wall.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

We're talking football grounds, music venues, universities, cricket grounds, city centres, pubs and some of Yorkshire's most recognisable landmarks.

Naturally, Leeds gets plenty of love.

You can find illustrations of Elland Road, Leeds Town Hall, the Corn Exchange, Kirkgate Market, Leeds Dock, Headingley and the Royal Armouries, alongside plenty of other places that will have you saying, “Wait, I know that place.”

And that's what makes the prints so good: they're not just pictures of buildings. They're little reminders of places you've actually been. The stadium where you watched your first match. The university where you spent three years. The city centre street you've walked down a thousand times. The pub where you've spent far too many Friday nights.

Arjo takes those familiar places and turns them into something you can keep.

And with the new Corn Exchange shop, you can now see the artwork properly in person, rather than just double-tapping it on your phone.

So whether you're looking for something to add a bit of Leeds personality to your wall, hunting for a gift for someone who is very proud of where they're from, or simply fancy having a browse, Art by Arjo is well worth a look.

And there's an extra little surprise waiting in the shop too, with Arjo's very own print machine creating personalised, hand-drawn prints, meaning you can walk away with a completely unique keepsake made just for you.

We're always here for local businesses that turn Leeds memories into wall art.

And going from a market stall to having your own shop in the Corn Exchange? Not a bad little upgrade.

Read more: The tiny seven-seater Leeds kitchen serving some of the best Japanese food in the city

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Art & Culture

Jacqueline Wilson and Gyles Brandreth among big names announced for Ilkley Literature Festival 2026

Clementine Hall

The north’s longest-running literary festival, Ilkley Literature Festival, has announced its 2026 line-up.

This year, a host of household names including politicians, national treasures, journalists, novelists, poets, historians, comedians, and academics will head to the quaint spa town of Ilkley for their annual literaty festival.

The festival will take place across 17 packed days from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 October 2026.

Andrew Davies, the maestro of literary adaptations such as House of Cards and Bridget Jones will open the festival, having finally turned his razor sharp pen on the most challenging subject of all: himself, with his memoir, An Unsuitable Boy.

Elsewhere, actress Rachael Stirling will be talking about her exceptional mother, Diana Rigg – icon of stage and screen and the subject of a new memoir, whilst Mark Foster, five-time Olympian, six-time World Champion and eight-time World Record holder, will be discussing his inspiring and moving memoir, My Double.

Image: Supplied

Poetry lovers can spend an evening with the Poet laureate, Simon Armitage, as he reads from his new translation of Gilgamesh, whilst much-loved poet Brian Bilston will take you on a whistle stop tour through the history of verse, reading from his new collection How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth will discussing the secrets for a long and healthy life, whilst icon Dame Jacqueline Wilson will introducing her brand-new book, Esme Pepper, and talking about her career, writing over 120 books for children.

Erica Morris, Chief Executive of Word Up North, the producer of Ilkley Literature Festival, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming some of today’s most exceptional writers, thinkers and entertainers to Yorkshire this autumn. The festival has been encouraging curiosity, open dialogues and a shared love of words for over half a century.

"This year, as part of the National Year of Reading, we’re putting readers at the heart of the programme with a series of book club-style events - Page Turners Classic Fiction Club - celebrating some of the most compelling novels ever written from Wuthering Heights to The Wasp Factory. From dedicated fans to first-time readers, you can be sure of a warm Yorkshire welcome at Ilkley Literature Festival.”

Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 25 August, with priority bookings open for Friends of the Festival a week before, on Wednesday 19 August. You can view the full lineup for the Ilkley Literature Festival and book your tickets here.

Read more: Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds

Featured image - Supplied