Overview

• Mickey Rourke, 72, drew widespread criticism for his behavior toward host AJ Odudu during the live launch, including 'grabbing' and 'ogling' her.
• Rourke admitted that his struggling film career led him to join the show, describing it as a chance to reinvigorate his professional prospects.
• The 2025 lineup features a diverse cast including JoJo Siwa, Patsy Palmer, Michael Fabricant, and Olympic champion Daley Thompson.
• Celebrity Big Brother 2025 marks the second season of ITV's reboot, with a live broadcast format and nightly episodes on ITV and ITVX.
• Public and media reactions have focused heavily on Rourke's controversial entrance, overshadowing other developments in the show's early days.