Northern presenter AJ Odudu has been praised for her professionalism during an uncomfortable exchange with Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke on the Celebrity Big Brother live launch.
The 72-year-old star of Sin City and The Wrestler sparked a backlash after making what many viewers called inappropriate physical advances towards the host during Monday night’s show on ITV1.
Rourke, the final housemate to enter the house — reportedly for a £500,000 fee — grabbed Blackburn-born Odudu around the waist, spun her in a circle and pulled her in close after being introduced by co-host Will Best.
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“You’re very flirtatious,” Odudu said, appearing surprised as Rourke continued to hold her. He then looked her up and down and leaned back to glance at her bum.
Trying to stay composed, Odudu told him: “Stop looking at me! It’s time for you to get inside the house,” before turning him around by the shoulders and guiding him to the door.
As Rourke paused to wave to the crowd, he tried to drag Odudu into the house with him, prompting Best to intervene: “Don’t take AJ with you!”
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The moment was later brought up on Big Brother: Late & Live, where Alan Carr joked: “Can we talk about Mickey Rourke looking at you? Wow his eyes. Find someone who looks at you like Mickey Rourke looks at you. His tongue was hanging out!”
Odudu responded: “You can’t afford these feathers, Mickey!”
However, viewers were far less amused, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn Rourke’s behaviour. One wrote: “Got to feel for AJ there, getting harassed live on tele trying to stay professional… Mickey first out hopefully.”
Another added: “How he treated AJ was totally unacceptable,” while another said: “No female TV presenter should be made to feel like AJ just did. He shouldn’t have been allowed on this show if he can’t control himself around women.”
ITV has not yet commented on the incident.
