Celebrity Big Brother host AJ Odudu has responded to Mickey Rourke's controversial antics during Monday's launch of this year's reality competition.
ITV viewers were left furious after Hollywood actor Rourke appeared to be "grabbing" and "ogling" host Odudu.
The Oscar-nominated star was the final celebrity to enter the house on April 7 but quickly sparked criticism for his inappropriate behaviour towards the presenter.
After shaking co-host Will Best's hand, Rourke offered his hand to Odudu, gave her a twirl, and then pulled her close to his body.
ITV CBB: Will Best warned Mickey Rourke to be careful for his conduct towards AJ Odudu
ITV
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As Odudu attempted to engage him in conversation, Rourke stared at her backside so intensely that she was forced to tell him: "Stop looking at me!"
When the hosts tried to usher Rourke into the house, he remained in place and, continuing to stare at Odudu, said: "I wanna stay with you."
The hosts then had to physically escort him into the house as his slow pace threatened to delay the live show.
"Careful, Mickey," Best could be heard saying as the actor pulled Odudu close to his body.
ITV CBB: Mickey Rourke looked AJ Odudu up and down several times
ITV
Odudu laughed off the moment and took his charm offensive in her stride as the cameras rolled.
The incident left viewers feeling uncomfortable, with many taking to social media to condemn the actor's actions during the live broadcast.
The awkward entrance was just the beginning of what viewers described as "creepy" behaviour from the Hollywood star.
The incident was later discussed on the sister show Late & Live, where guest Alan Carr commented: "Can we talk about Mickey Rourke looking at you? Wow, his eyes.
ITV CBB: Mickey Rourke gave short and abrupt answers when speaking to the duo
ITV
"Find someone who looks at you the way Mickey looks at you. His tongue was hanging out."
Odudu responded to the incident with humour, saying: "It literally was. I was like, 'You can't afford these feathers, Mickey, no!'"
While Odudu tried to brush off the incident, the studio audience wasn't impressed by Rourke's antics, with audible boos heard as the moment was discussed on the sister show.
Throughout the uncomfortable exchange, co-host Best appeared to take protective measures, warning Rourke to be "careful" and holding Odudu's hands as the duo cut to an ad break soon after.
Viewers praised Best's actions, with one social media user commenting on X: "I liked how Will Best protected AJ throughout that segment."
However, others took to the social media platform X to express their outrage at Rourke's behaviour. "Someone get some security for AJ from Mickey Rourke because what the hell was that????" wrote one concerned viewer.
"How he treated AJ was totally unacceptable," a separate viewer stated before another added: "Mickey Rourke is a weirdo and it was so uncomfortable watching him harass AJ on live TV."
Ahead of Rourke's entrance during a pre-recorded intro video, the actor revealed he is good friends with Ray Winstone, who advised him to "have fun" in the house.
In his pre-show comments, Rourke said: "I have no expectations. I've never seen it. I'm just going to go in, do my thing, and we'll see."
When asked about his approach to housemates, he added: "Just be respectful and that's it. I'll just do me. I don't care about winning. It doesn't mean anything to me."
Rourke joins a diverse group of celebrities in the Big Brother house, including former child reality star Jojo Siwa, broadcaster Trisha Goddard, Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd and former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant.
