Celebrity Big Brother is in full swing – and in the past week, we’ve seen a new selection of famous (and not-so-famous) faces live together in the reality show house.
Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke, 72, has been the cause of significant controversy, which led to his removal after six days.
The star was given a formal warning by Big Brother for making homophobic comments directed at 21-year-old Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa, but was ultimately thrown off the show by producers for a sexual comment aimed at The Only Way is Essex star Ella Rae Wise, 24, and threatening behaviour towards Love Island contestant Chris Hughes, 32.
Rourke grew irate when Hughes, in character as a pirate for a shopping task, “eyeballed” him. Rourke later apologised to Hughes, and told Big Brother he was “ashamed” of his actions and blamed it on his “short fuse”.
The controversy started immediately. While entering the house on 7 April, Rourke “ogled” the reality show’s co-host AJ Odudu, which caused viewers to call for the actor to be axed from the series. One person wrote on X/Twitter: “He should be removed for this. It’s disturbing, particularly after how he was with AJ, too.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the programme told The Independent: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.
“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and instances of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately and timely.” Rourke’s representatives declined to comment.
While many thought Rourke would get the boot during Friday night’s eviction, former Tory MP Michael Fabricant was eliminated.
Patsy Palmer, Trisha Goddard and Jack Shepherd now face eviction this week after their housemates voted for them to leave the competition.
The series continues at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.
Key Points
- Mickey Rourke removed from Celebrity Big Brother after ‘unacceptable’ housemate row
- What did Mickey Rourke say on Celebrity Big Brother? Why actor was removed from show
- Michael Fabricant evicted despite Mickey Rourke's pleas
- COMMENT: Mickey Rourke’s appalling homophobia is ITV’s shame to bear
- Meet the housemates
Mickey Rourke ejected from ‘CBB'
Saturday 12 April 2025 22:33
,
Jacob Stolworthy
Mickey Rourke has been kicked off Celebrity Big Brother after an “unacceptable” run-in with Chris Hughes.
It was announced on Saturday (12 April), that the Hollywood actor “has agreed to leave” the show following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of “unacceptable behaviour”.
While the specific incident that led to Rourke’s departure is yet to be revealed, it’s believed it occurred during a disagreement with Love Island star and sports broadcaster Hughes.
Rourke’s behaviour during the interaction “was considered to be threatening and aggressive”, although it’s been stressed that “no physical altercation took place”.
More here:
22:06
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
So ends another thrilling instalment of Celebrity Big Brother. We’re back tomorrow for more drama but have to wait until the live eviction on Friday to find out who gets the boot.
JoJo ends the episode on a cryptic note
22:01
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
As the episode draws to a close, JoJo has left viewers on a cliffhanger by drawing a secret message on Chris’ hand in the dark while they’re in bed.
When the Love Island star asked her what she meant, JoJo replied: “Just think about it.”
Social media is now in meltdown attempting to figure out what the message may have been...
Patsy is buzzing to be up for eviction
21:58
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Upon receiving the news that she’s up for eviction and will face a public vote, Patsy celebrated by throwing her hands in the air.
The actor said she’s having a “great” time but “really misses” her kids.
Angellica joked in response: “Mind you, you don’t know what you’re going out to.”
Trisha, meanwhile, took the news badly and said she was more likely to lose the public vote as she’s not on TV as often as Jack or Patsy.
“A little bit sad,” she admitted. “I didn’t think I would enjoy it but I am.”
Chris has been sent to the 'wheelie bin of shame'
21:51
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Chris has been sent into the celebrity wheelie bin of shame until further notice. He has also been told to prepare an apology rap for his crime of discussing nominations with Donna. Cringe.
Speaking about nominations in the garden earlier today, he said: “ I guess I know who Trisha and Patsy are going to vote for…They’ll probably vote for each other, that’s fair.” He still doesn’t understand what he did wrong.
Patsy is at risk after the housemates' nominations
21:45
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Following the housemates’ nominations today, Patsy is at risk with six votes. Danny repeated his concerns that the actor was “playing a game”, with Chris admitting a seed of doubt had also been planted in his head about her intentions. Yikes.
“Maybe you’re just too fragile to be in here,” added Trisha of Patsy’s demeanour. However, Trisha received four votes herself.
The other housemate at risk is Jack, who was accused of being an immature “wind up” by Danny and Trisha.
Ella is fuming about JoJo and Chris' relationship
21:23
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Speaking to Angellica in the garden, Ella has let her true feelings about JoJo and Chris known.
“I’m just gonna say it. JoJo lovely girl, not my cup of tea,” the TOWIE star said.
“I just don’t feel like there’s an off switch. I know you’re not like that at home because my mum would tell me, ‘calm the f*** down’.
Commenting on Chris and JoJo’s relationship, she added: “Each to their own, do their thing but don’t forget about us because we are still here.”
Jojo is giving Chris a massage in the garden
21:21
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Viewers were left bemused by Jojo and Chris’ tactile relationship last night as the pair gave each other cuddles in bed.
Tonight is no different as Jojo is currently giving Chris a “rub down” in the garden.
Ella appears to throw shade at Chris
21:14
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
As the housemates were told they failed this week’s shopping task and would receive an economy budget, Chris Hughes made his frustrations at the result known.
This appeared to rub Ella Wise up the wrong way who hit back: “I did this, I did that…We ain’t gonna starve are we, we’ve got food.” Drama is looming.
Daley and Chesney say the house is calmer without Mickey
21:08
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
In the diary room, Daley Thompson is reflecting on how he feels now Micky Rourke has left the house.
“I don’t even think he’s doing it on purpose but it takes a while to understand him,” he reflected on Rourke’s outbursts.
“He was somebody I was happy to spend time with but I completely understand that he’s not everyone’s cup of tea,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chesney Hawkes reveals he thinks the house is “a little bit calmer” without Rourke.
Donna has fish guts in her bed
21:05
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Day seven in the Celebrity Big Brother house and JoJo, Angelica and Donna are waking up surrounded by dead fish after a curse was put on their pirate camp. Yum!
‘CBB’ is about to start
20:55
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Not long to go now until we see the aftermath of that Mickey Rourke furore.
It’s been a long six days for ITV...
Mickey Rourke's Celebrity Big Brother salary revealed
20:51
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Mickey Rourke has reportedly had his Celebrity Big Brother fee drastically reduced by a huge 90 per cent following his removal from the house.
He was initially granted a fee of £500,000 by ITV producers. However, the dismissed star will now bank just £50,000, per The Sun.
Celebrity Big Brother 2025: Dates, times and how to watch
20:30
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
After Mickey Rourke was removed from the house last night after “aggressive and threatening” behaviour and “inappropriate sexual comments”, the show is back with another episode tonight.
Watch the fallout at 9pm tonight on ITV and ITVX.
20:15
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
It might feel like The Mickey Rourke show but there are plenty of other people in the star-studded lineup this year. Have a look at the list below.
What did Mickey Rourke say on Celebrity Big Brother? Why actor was removed from show
20:00
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Michael Fabricant shares his experience with Mickey Rourke
19:52
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Michael Fabricant has opened up about his experience of cohabiting with Mickey Rourke on Celebrity Big Brother.
“He was completely unpredictable,” he said in a comment that won’t come as a surprise to viewers.
“He seemed to forget where the diary room was, he thought we were talking about a dining room,” Fabricant claimed.
Meanwhile, host Will Best added: “That was on the first day, I don't think he was massively au fait with the nuts and bolts of the show, the format. He wasn't necessarily a BB super fan before.”
Why did Mickey Rourke sign up to 'Celebrity Big Brother'?
19:42
,
Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Ahead of his five days in the house, Mickey Rourke candidly opened up about reason for saying yes to ITV reality show.
He took accountability for the fact he is no longer offered big Hollywood roles, admitting to The Sun: “I’ve made mistakes – many. I have nobody to blame for my ship sinking except myself.”
Watch: Patsy Palmer breaks down in tears after Mickey Rourke comment
18:00
,
Maira Butt
Jojo Siwa and Ella Mae Wise aren’t the only ones left in tears because of Mickey Rourke. Patsy Palmer was also left upset before the star was removed from the house.
Many on social media have been defending the star who was saved in the public eviction on Friday (11 April). However, others have said he should have been removed at the first incident.
Mickey Rourke says he tried his ‘hardest’ to leave
17:25
,
Maira Butt
Why did Mickey Rourke sign up to 'Celebrity Big Brother'?
17:01
,
Maira Butt
Ahead of his five days in the house, Mickey Rourke candidly opened up about reason for saying yes to ITV reality show.
He took accountability for the fact he is no longer offered big Hollywood roles, admitting to The Sun: “I’ve made mistakes – many. I have nobody to blame for my ship sinking except myself.”
Sneak peek of tonight's episode
16:18
,
Maira Butt
Sneak Peek ️ Roll out the Celebrity Wheelie Bin of Shame, Chris has amends to make and a rap to write #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/Q9n37DUxWa
— Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) April 14, 2025
14:45
,
Maira Butt
That gave us a fright...
Now this is cinema #CBBLL #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/68pdWx6OhU
— ️ (@fakeart09) April 13, 2025
What did Mickey Rourke say on Celebrity Big Brother? Why actor was removed from show
14:25
,
Maira Butt
Celebrity Big Brother 2025: Dates, times and how to watch
13:50
,
Maira Butt
After Mickey Rourke was removed from the house last night after “aggressive and threatening” behaviour and “inappropriate sexual comments”, the show is back with another episode tonight.
Watch the fallout at 9pm tonight on ITV and ITVX.
13:20
,
Maira Butt
It might feel like The Mickey Rourke show but there are plenty of other people in the star-studded lineup this year. Have a look at the list below.
Mickey Rourke’s appalling homophobia on Celebrity Big Brother is ITV’s shame to bear
12:50
,
Maira Butt
The Independent’s Louis Chilton called it. He said Mickey Rourke should have been removed the moment he was homophobic.
WATCH: Mickey Rourke squares up to Chris Hughes before being removed
12:23
,
Maira Butt
Danny Beard's best friend hits out at 'absolute disgusting' Mickey Rourke comments
11:47
,
Maira Butt
“It’s absolutely disgusting, like you mentioned there, when he first went into the house with the whole AJ thing, then we had the JoJo thing and then the comments to Ella, plus his argument with Chris that really nearly did escalate into a physical altercation, I think Big Brother made the right decision to get rid.” Billy, Beard’s best friend, told Lorraine.
11:24
,
Maira Butt
Jojo’s picked up on a weird vibe from Ella.
Nominating her she said: “I find convos with Ella very forced and feel like I have to really try and come up with something to talk about.
“I feel like I’m really on eggshells. I overheard her say something about me and Chris whispering at night.”
Chris Hughes' brother addresses Mickey Rourke altercation
11:02
,
Maira Butt
“I think he handled it quite well, he obviously didn’t retaliate I think, actually he just got into character a little bit too well. I think he might be trying out for the new Pirates of the Caribbean or something along those lines,” he told Kate Garraway on Lorraine.
“I think he handled it quite well, obviously Danny got involved and Chris in previous episodes has also stuck up for JoJo, which I do think if anyone else was in that situation, would’ve stuck up for her as well.”
10:45
,
Maira Butt
Chris Hughes’ brother, Ben, has commented on the star’s friendship with pop star Jojo Siwa.
“I actually think that maybe they’ve formed a great friendship due to the fact that Chris stood up for JoJo,” he said on Lorraine on Monday morning (14 April).
“I think JoJo is in a solid relationship, Chris will know that and I just think that they’ve got each other's backs.”
Watch the moment that Chris and Jojo bonded below.
10:30
,
Maira Butt
People are confused about Chris and Jojo’s relationship. The Dance Moms star is gay and in a happy relationship, but after a back tickle by Chris who also called her “sexy”, people think he may be pursuing her romantically.
Others have called it “the most overanalysed moment in human history” since the moon landing. They have called out “double standards” saying: “If the roles were reversed and it was a gay man and a straight woman, people would see this as a cute friendship. this is normal and not everything revolves around sexual attraction!!!”
Meanwhile, Ella is insistent that she doesn’t fancy him, and isn’t bothered that he hasn’t made an effort.
“I don't care like at all, it's whatever, I don't fancy him so I ain't bothered,” she told Angellica.
Ella left in tears after Mickey Rourke's 'inappropriate sexual language'
09:48
,
Maira Butt
Towie star Ella breaks down in tears as she reflects on how Mickey’s comment made her feel.
“Mickey’s just Mickey, you know what I mean,” said Hughes.
Ella responded: “It’s fine - you can be just someone, but be mindful of what it can trigger in other people, because it’s made me feel very uneasy. I don’t like it, all the sexual innuendo.”
Mickey Rourke wanted to leave Celebrity Big Brother, says Sir Michael Fabricant
09:20
,
Greg Evans
Celebrity Big Brother star Sir Michael Fabricant has said Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke wanted to leave the house “on day one”.
The Bafta winner, 72, was asked to leave the show on Saturday after “further use of inappropriate language” and “instances of unacceptable behaviour”.
Sir Michael reposted a social media post on X announcing Rourke’s exit and wrote: “He wanted to leave on day one.”
In another post, he said: “Missing Danny (Beard), Jack, Donna (Preston), JoJo (Siwa) and nearly all of the others. I WANT TO GO BACK IN.”
What did Mickey Rourke say on Celebrity Big Brother? Why actor was removed from show
08:50
,
Greg Evans
Mickey Rourke has been removed from the Celebrity Big Brother house after being “threatening and aggressive” towards Chris Hughes and using “inappropriate sexual language” with Ella Rae Wise.
The Wrestler actor, 72, has been at the centre of controversy from his very entrance on the show when he “ogled” presenter AJ Odudu and faced calls to be removed throughout his six-day run after making homophobic comments to Jojo Siwa.
He appeared to have earned the support and reassurance of his fellow housemates, narrowly escaping eviction on Friday’s episode (11 April), when Tory politician Michael Fabricant left. Rourke opened up about the childhood abuse he faced, with contestants including Siwa sharing their sympathy for the star.
However, on Sunday night’s episode (14 April), housemates took part in a pirate-themed challenge when things rapidly took a turn for the worse.
Chris Hughes praised for defending JoJo Siwa from Mickey Rourke’s homophobic comments
08:20
,
Greg Evans
Celebrity Big Brother contestant Chris Hughes has been praised for defending JoJo Siwa against Mickey Rourke’s homophobic comments.
During Wednesday night’s episode (9 April), Oscar-nominated actor Rourke, 72, was given a formal warning by Big Brother after he made inappropriate sexual comments and used a homophobic slur directed at the 21-year-old Dance Moms star.
During the exchange, Siwa told Rourke that she is gay, to which he shouted across the courtyard: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” before saying he will “tie” her up. “That won’t happen,” Siwa replied calmly.
In an aside to fellow housemates, Rourke said he was “going to vote the lesbian out real quick”, to which Siwa overhead and responded, “That’s homophobic if that’s your reasoning.” Rourke then announced he needed a cigarette, stating that he “needs a fag”. He then pointed at Siwa, saying, “I’m not talking to you.”
Hughes, who rose to fame on season three of Love Island in 2017, appeared to be the only housemate to step in and intervene, telling Rourke, “Mickey, you can’t say that.”
Mickey Rourke says he tried his ‘hardest’ to leave Celebrity Big Brother
07:48
,
Greg Evans
Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has said he tried his “hardest” to leave Celebrity Big Brother.
The Bafta-winning star of The Wrestler, 72, left the ITV1 show on Saturday after “further use of inappropriate language” and “instances of unacceptable behaviour”.
Rourke caused upset in the house from the start and made former Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa cry after making comments about her sexuality.
During Sunday’s episode, before his removal, he told Big Brother in the diary room that his housemates “seemed happy” that he had not left during Friday’s eviction episode.
“They seemed happy, for some reason. I did my hardest to get out of here. You know, I always went against the machine, and I don’t want to go through life, like, with a clenched fist any more,” he said.
“I spent my whole life like this, and it gets hard. It wears you out.”
Sunday’s episode showed the events that led to his departure, including him using “sexual language” that made The Only Way Is Essex star Ella Rae Wise feel uncomfortable.
Rourke had made a sexual innuendo after Wise told Rourke “you gotta come with me, mate”.
Later in the diary room, she told Big Brother: “(It) just makes me feel on edge. I don’t like the jokes, like the sexual jokes being made towards me. I’m a young girl and I’m not a piece of meat.”
Sunday 13 April 2025 23:01
,
Jacob Stolworthy
That’s it for tonight’s episode – join us again tomorrow for all the latest updates from the house.
Big Brother removes Mickey Rourke from the house
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:45
,
Jacob Stolworthy
Big Brother: “Mickey, Big Brother needs to speak to you about your behaviour. Earlier today in a disagreement with Chris, your language and behaviour was threatening and aggressive. Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behaviour. In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella.”
Mickey Rourke: “Oh, I’m not aware of that but OK.”
Big Brother: ”This language has caused offence to your fellow housemates and could cause offence to the viewing public. This is not the first time Big Brother has had to speak to you about your offensive and inappropriate language.”
Mickey Rourke: “Yes sir. I did wrong. I apologise. I’m sorry. I can’t take it back, you know, I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing. ‘Cause I lost my temper, and I’ve been trying to work on it my whole life and I wish I would have had better self-control and I’m very sorry.
“I’m ashamed of myself for losing it for a few seconds there. Nobody got touched or hurt. Maybe some feelings got hurt or maybe others have feelings about others getting upset but, you know, I’m sorry about that.”
Big Brother: “Big Brother considers your language and behaviour today to be seriously unacceptable and as a result Big Brother has no option but to ask you to leave the Big Brother house.”
Mickey Rourke: “I blame myself, I know it was my bad. You know, I’ve got a short fuse and I know I upset a lot of people out there, you know. And I’m sorry for that. I’m actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot. I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen.”
Sunday 13 April 2025 22:43
