Celebrity Big Brother was thrust into controversy in the very first episode as viewers complained over Hollywood star Mickey Rourke’s behaviour towards host AJ Odudu

Mickey Rourke left fans demanding he was kicked out of Celebrity Big Brother before he’d even entered the house on Monday night. The Wrestler actor joined the likes of Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd, talk show queen Trisha Goddard and EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer in the famous digs, but it was the Hollywood star who really shook things up.

The 72-year-old had viewers reeling immediately with his “inappropriate” behaviour towards host AJ Odudu. As he was introduced, the actor appeared to stare at the host and grab onto her. And after prolonging his entrance, trying to give the live audience high-fives, he needed to be pushed into the house by AJ – but he tried to take her in there with him.

AJ even told the acting veteran “stop looking at me” as he looked intently at her nude catsuit.

Mickey Rourke’s actioned stunned viewers(Image: ITV)

The scenes sparked a backlash on social media, with X users hitting out at the uncomfortable scenes. One user wrote: “I feel bad for AJ with the way Mickey Rourke kept pulling out her.”

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Another fumed: “Scared for all the women in that house now with how Mickey was with AJ on live television mind you.” And a third predicted: “I put money on Mickey Rourke getting kicked out within the next few days. How he treated AJ was totally unacceptable.”

Mickey held onto host AJ as he entered the house(Image: ITV)

AJ appeared to downplay the incident on the spin-off show, Late and Live. She was speaking to comedian Alan Carr, who had gasped: “Can we talk about Mickey Rourke looking at you? Wow his eyes.

“Find someone who looks at you the way Mickey looks at you [AJ]. His tongue was hanging out.”

She responded: “It literally was. I was like ‘You can’t afford these feathers Mickey, no!”

Following the live shows coming to a close, AJ took to Instagram to praise the opening episode. Despite ignoring the incident, fans were quick to offer their support in the comments section.

Alan Carr wasn’t impressed by Mickey Rourke’s actions(Image: ITV)

She had shared two snaps of herself and fellow host Will Best. They looked amazing on the walkway, as AJ wore a brown all-in-one outfit with furry arms and legs. Will looked dapper in an all-black outfit, with flared trousers and a dinner jacket and t-shirt combination.

AJ captioned her post: “And just like that we’re off, Celebrity Big Brother 2025, tune in live on @itv!,” along with dancing emojis.

Fans praised how AJ handled the situation(Image: ITV)

While some focused on their dapper appearance, including Chelsee Healey, who shared flame emojis, others weren’t prepared to let Mickey’s actions go unnoticed. One user wrote: “You look incredible AJ! I’m so sorry Mickey disrespected you like that, you handled it incredibly well, I hope you’re okay!”

Another added with fume: “I can’t deal with what Mickey Rourke did to you. It was wildly inappropriate and he should be removed for being a hideous old letch. It was written all over your face how uncomfortable that made you feel. You handled it so well.”

After Mickey’s awkward entrance, he was immediately met by JoJo Siwa. With the Hollywood star being the last celebrity to enter the abode, he was forced by the reality TV star to join in a conga line as their swirled around their new living space.

AJ Odudu’s Instagram post following the CBB launch(Image: Instagram)

Before entering the house, Mickey said: “I have no expectations. I’ve never seen it. I’m just going to go in, do my thing, and we’ll see.”

He had also left fans stunned by his major transformation. Posing for a snap before entering the house, his new look was evident. He sported his chin-length mahogany-hued hair, with the former boxer looking a world away from his days as an 80s film star in which his natural brown locks were closely cropped.

He is well known for speaking his mind and has often found himself involved in feuds with fellow celebrities. Among his outbursts were a blunt response to Tom Cruise when he reprised his role in the Top Gun franchise in recent years.

Mickey blasted about Tom’s success in the role to Piers Morgan at the time: “That does mean s*** to me. The guy’s been doing the same effing part for thirty-five years. I’ve got no respect for that.”

He went on to berate: “I don’t care about money and power, I care about — when I watch Al Pacino work, and Chris Walken, and De Niro’s early work, and Richard Harris’ work, and Ray Winstone’s work… those are the actors I wanna be like…” before branding Tom “irrelevant, in my world”.