Mickey Rourke ’s entry into the Celebrity Big Brother house has already set the tone for what could be the most unpredictable season yet. The Hollywood star became the thirteenth contestant to enter, and his chaotic energy is making waves — both good and bad.
From the get-go, it was clear that Mickey Rourke ’s entry into the Celebrity Big Brother house has already set the tone for what could be the most unpredictable season yet. The Hollywood star became the thirteenth contestant to enter, and his chaotic energy is making waves — both good and bad.
appearance would be polarizing. While some hailed the Oscar-nominated actor’s inclusion as genius casting, others questioned why he was allowed to stay even 9½ minutes, let alone an entire episode, after his inappropriate behavior towards co-host AJ Odudu during the live launch.
Hollywood Wildcard or PR Nightmare?
Rourke’s entrance had fans — and producers — on edge. Known for his controversial public image and unpredictable demeanor, many wondered what ITV expected when they signed up the self-proclaimed “Hollywood hell-raiser.”
In true unpredictable fashion, Rourke disregarded the launch night’s secret twist, instead doing things his own way. It was a move that both amused and frustrated viewers, underscoring the challenge ITV faces in trying to control such a volatile presence.
While hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best did a commendable job keeping things on track, the tension was palpable. Yet despite everything, Rourke did eventually enter the house — just in time to beat the iconic ITV News bongs.
A Quiet Brush-Off?
Curiously, ITV seemed keen to downplay the drama that unfolded live on air. There were no official acknowledgments or reactions immediately after, and the incident appeared to be swept under the rug. Even Alan Carr, hosting the spin-off Late and Live, addressed it lightly, comparing Rourke to a cartoonish, lecherous character rather than confronting the behavior head-on.
Surely by now, someone on the production team has had a discreet word with Rourke in the Diary Room. But let’s be honest — Rourke himself admitted he didn’t know much about the show and only signed on because his options were either “go to London or do another s***y indie film.”
Still, you can’t argue with the impact. Despite his rocky start, Rourke’s wild energy injected life into what had been, up to that point, a fairly standard procession of familiar faces.
The Most Expensive Wildcard in CBB History?
Rourke is by far the biggest and most expensive name in this year’s lineup, reportedly earning a hefty £500,000. That fee dwarfs those of the other housemates, who mostly fall into the usual CBB categories: soap stars, ex-reality TV contestants, sports retirees, TV presenters, a drag queen, and even a Tory MP.
With all due respect to TikTok sensation JoJo Siwa and her 80+ million followers, Rourke’s celebrity status is on another level. But will it pay off — or backfire spectacularly?
The Rest of the Line-Up: A Familiar Formula
The casting team clearly stuck to a tried-and-tested formula. We’ve got:
- JoJo Siwa, bringing volume and viral energy.
- Michael Fabricant, the flamboyant Tory MP vying to be the season’s lovable villain.
- TOWIE’s Ella Rae Wise, Chesney Hawkes (yes, that Chesney), and Corrie’s Jack P. Shepherd, adding familiar TV faces.
- RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, already teasing an eventual return to full drag glory — likely during a cleverly disguised task.
- Daley Thompson, the Olympic legend, providing some much-needed grounded charisma (and sarcasm).
Patsy Palmer also joined the cast — and fans are eagerly waiting for her inevitable “Mickaaaay!” shout across the house in response to Rourke’s antics.
Also Read : Trisha Goddard Joins Celebrity Big Brother to Share Powerful Message About Living with Cancer
Who Will Win?
Following David Potts’ surprise win last year, predicting a winner is no easy task. But early favorites are forming, and Daley Thompson’s deadpan humor has already struck a chord with viewers. His line about Big Brother ranking “up there with my GCSEs” was a standout moment.
Meanwhile, JoJo Siwa’s unapologetic energy could make her a fan favorite — or the most divisive contestant of the season. “People will think I’m annoying,” she quipped. “Then they’ll get to know me and say, ‘B***h is funny.’” We’ll see.
Final Thoughts
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 is off to a chaotic, dramatic, and undeniably entertaining start. Whether Mickey Rourke ends up being its biggest success or most regrettable signing remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: people are talking — and that’s exactly what ITV wanted.
Celebrity Big Brother airs nightly at 9 PM on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
