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Celebrity Big Brother 2025: Star-Studded Line-Up and Early Drama Unfolds
The highly anticipated season of Celebrity Big Brother 2025 has commenced with a flurry of excitement, introducing 12 famous personalities into the iconic house. This year’s glamorous cast includes figures such as Chris Hughes, Ella Rae Wise, JoJo Siwa, musician Chesney Hawkes, and Danny Beard, promising a season filled with intrigue and captivating moments. However, it is Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke who has swiftly become the center of attention in the Celebrity Big Brother house, facing a formal warning from Big Brother himself.
Mickey Rourke’s Real Name Revealed
Mickey Rourke, aged 72, is celebrated for his roles in acclaimed films like Year of the Dragon, Angel Heart, Johnny Handsome, The Pope of Greenwich Village, and Barfly. Interestingly, fans may be surprised to discover that “Mickey” is not the actor’s given name. He was born Philip Andre Rourke Jr., inheriting his name from his father, Philip Andre Rourke.
According to reports, the moniker “Mickey” was bestowed upon him by his father as an homage to the celebrated baseball legend, Mickey Mantle.
Intrigue in the House: Name Origins and Identity
The topic of his true identity became a point of discussion among the Celebrity Big Brother housemates. Chesney Hawkes initiated the conversation, asking, “With a surname like Rourke, I imagine you have Irish ancestry? And is Rourke even your actual name, by the way?”
Rourke confirmed, “No, my birth name is Philip Andre.” However, when pressed about the origins of his famous nickname, the enigmatic actor and former boxer simply responded, “That’s a lengthy story.”
Controversy Strikes: Homophobic Remarks and Big Brother’s Intervention
During Wednesday’s episode (April 9th), the atmosphere shifted when Mickey Rourke received a formal reprimand from Big Brother. Show producers summoned him to the Diary Room following complaints about homophobic remarks directed towards 21-year-old housemate, JoJo Siwa.
In an earlier exchange, Rourke questioned Siwa about smoking facilities, asking, “Where’s the smoke room? Where’s the cigarette room?” before then inquiring, “Do you like girls or boys?”
Clash with JoJo Siwa and Subsequent Apology
JoJo Siwa responded, “Me? Girls. My partner is non-binary.” Rourke then made a provocative statement to Siwa, asserting, “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.”
Siwa firmly countered, “I can guarantee I’ll still be gay, and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Later, while in the garden discussing nominations with Chris Hughes, Rourke declared his intentions, saying, “I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick.” JoJo Siwa overheard the comment and challenged him, stating, “That’s homophobic if that was your reasoning.”
Subsequently, speaking with Big Brother, Mickey Rourke maintained that he had no “dishonorable intentions” and claimed he was merely “talking smack” before offering an apology for his remarks.
Celebrity Big Brother airs at 9pm on ITV1