Colne mum shares experiences of appearing on Channel Four show “Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners”

Mum-of-two Julie Owen (47), of Briercliffe Avenue, recently took part in “Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners” as part of her bid for a fresh start.

Two years ago Julie was given the all-clear after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. And after years of collecting anything and everything, she knew that it was the right time to finally face the mess in her living room and three bedrooms.

Having seen an advertisement for the new Channel Four show, Julie decided to share her story and was paired with Mark Palfrey (45) — a tidy obsessed man who admits he has spent an hour arranging the pleats in his curtains.

Mark visited Julie’s home and after much hard work managed to help the NHS administrator get rid of a skip full of unessential items. The mum to Kathryn (20) and Laura (15) also parted with plenty of her clothes.

She said: “It was quite emotional, and it was quite physically and mentally draining.

“I was a bit embarrassed about it, but it needed doing. It was something that I kept putting off.

“Channel Four asked ‘Is your house cluttered? Does it need tidying up?’, and I said ‘Yes please’.”

Julie said that she has been left pleased with the outcome of the mammoth tidying session, and that she now intends to keep her house clutter-free.

She added: “My living room is a lot nicer, and everyone loves it when they come in.

“I have had a lot of support from friends, and have had some really nice comments sent to me.”