Celebrity Big Brother star Mickey Rourke has been forced to leave the show after repeated “unacceptable behaviour”.

The actor, known for his roles in The Wrestler and Rumble Fish, has come under fire for his conduct on the ITV reality show since its premiere last week, with comments towards host AJ Odudu and fellow housemate JoJo Siwa being widely condemned.

After receiving a formal warning for his behaviour on Wednesday (9 April), Rourke has now been forced to withdraw from the series, with a spokesperson citing the housemate’s “further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour”.

The decision comes after the actor was roundly criticised for his remarks to JoJo, in which he said: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore”. After uttering a homophobic slur, Mickey then remarked that he was “going to vote the lesbian out real quick”.

“Big Brother thinks your language was offensive and unacceptable,” said Big Brother as they issued Mickey a formal warning.

ITV

“As a result, Big Brother is giving you a formal warning. Further language or behaviour of this nature could lead to you being removed from the Big Brother house. Mickey, do you understand?”

Mickey subsequently apologised for his behaviour, saying that he “was talking smack” and didn’t have “any bad or dishonourable intentions”, adding that he wasn’t speaking “seriously” when making the remarks.

ITV

This came after a controversial incident during the launch show for the series, with fans describing his “uncomfortable” interaction with Odudu as “creepy”, “inappropriate” and “disgusting”.

Before his exit, Mickey faced the prospect of eviction after being dealt a killer nomination by JoJo, though he was given a reprieve after the general public opted to eliminate politician Michael Fabricant.

Celebrity Big Brother airs on ITV2 and ITVX.