AJ Odudu addresses Mickey Rourke 'encounter' as she's supported by Celebrity Big Brother fans

Celebrity Big Brother host AJ Odudu has broken her silence after an uncomfortable moment with Mickey Rourke as ITV viewers call for the Hollywood actor to be removed from the house

Nikki Onafuye Showbiz Writer and Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time

20:19, 08 Apr 2025Updated 22:04, 08 Apr 2025

AJ Odudu has addressed the rather awkward encounter with Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke during the live launch of Celebrity Big Brother(Image: ITV)

AJ Odudu has addressed the rather awkward encounter with Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke during the live launch of Celebrity Big Brother.

The 37-year-old host took to social media after viewers expressed their concern over Rourke's behaviour on the show.

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In a cryptic post, she hinted at the uncomfortable moment, writing: "The return of CBB with the most major lineup and interesting encounters." followed by a cheeky winking emoji.

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Despite the backlash, AJ remained upbeat about the series ahead, thanking fans for their support. She posted: "Thanks for all your lovely messages. This series is going to be [fire emoji]."

Rourke, a former boxer turned actor, raised eyebrows when he appeared to briefly gyrate against AJ before giving her an up-and-down(Image: ITV )

Rourke, a former boxer turned actor, raised eyebrows when he appeared to briefly gyrate against AJ before giving her an up-and-down look during his introduction.

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Despite being dressed in a figure-hugging jumpsuit, AJ managed to maintain her professionalism, smiling and telling the 72-year-old to "stop looking at me!", reports the Mirror.

However, he continued to delay his entry by high-fiving members of the audience and asking AJ to join him. The episode ended with Will holding AJ's hand and putting his arm around her as they prepared for the spin-off show, Late and Live.

After the intense episode, AJ took to Instagram to announce: "And just like that we're off, Celebrity Big Brother 2025, tune in live on ITV."

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AJ showed she was not taking any nonsense(Image: ITV)

Fans immediately responded, with one admirer gushing over her co-star's chivalrous behaviour: "I'm writing this moments after you're encounter with Micky Rourke and woah, that's legendary as f***, you and Will Best handled it poifectly!"

Another supporter vented, upset about Mickey's conduct towards AJ: "I can't deal with what Mickey Rourke did to you. It was wildly inappropriate and he should be removed... it was written all over your face how uncomfortable that made you feel. You handled it so well."

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Elsewhere, praise continued for Will's swift intervention: "Massive kudos to Will Best for jumping straight to AJ's defence there, protecting his female colleague from unwanted lascivious male attention from Mickey Rourke. Nice to see there's still gentlemen out there."

Adding to the support, another follower commended: "I LOVE the way Will Best was looking after AJ just there! Well done Will. He moved AJ from Mickey Rourke when he seemingly tried to touch her. Love their friendship."

Celebrity Big Brother airs Sunday to Thursday on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 9pm