Following last night's series premiere, ITV viewers branded the Hollywood actor "pervy" and called for him to be evicted first
THE LOOSE Women panel descended into a fiery debate today as they clashed over Mickey Rourke’s controversial entrance into the Celebrity Big Brother house.
Actor Mickey, 72, raised eyebrows during yesterday's launch show when he appeared entranced by host AJ Odudu, 37, and resisted entering the house, telling her, “I’d rather just stay with you.”
Denise Welch fumed over Mickey Rourke’s controversial CBB entrance
The Loose Women panel erupted as Gloria Hunniford defended him
While some viewers labelled his behaviour “creepy”, others defended the star, who’s known for his unpredictable antics.
On today's Loose Women, Denise Welch, 66, didn’t hold back in her criticism, slamming the Oscar nominee for what she saw as inappropriate conduct.
She said: "Come on. He just gawked at AJ like she was a piece of meat.
"She was trying to usher him in, and he practically refused just to stay close to her. It was uncomfortable to watch.”
But Gloria Hunniford, 84, quickly came to his defence, suggesting people were being too quick to judge.
She argued: “I think Mickey’s just a little eccentric – that’s part of his charm.
"He's always been different. I think he was just overwhelmed and maybe trying to be funny. I wouldn't call it creepy.”
Judi Love, 44, meanwhile, sat in the middle, admitting she was unsure how to feel about Mickey's behaviour.
“I do love a bit of Big Brother,” she said. “And you need big personalities. But I also think we’ll see how it all plays out. Sometimes first impressions can be misleading.”
Denise, however, couldn’t help but compare Mickey’s manner to actor Michael Madsen, who she lived with during her own CBB stint in 2012.
She said: "He gives me Michael Madsen vibes. It very much depends who you're in with. So, I’m gonna be watching very closely."
Following last night's series premiere, ITV viewers branded the Hollywood actor "pervy" and called for him to be evicted first.
In an awkward encounter, the actor - who had just been introduced to the audience - twirled AJ around before pulling her towards him resulting in the pair bumping into one another.
When fellow host Will Best asked if he could win, Mickey paused for a while and said: "I haven't thought about it".
The New York-born star then turned to AJ and began to look her up and down, before saying: "Nice outfit."
The host replied: "Thank you. Thank you so much."
However, when Mickey continued to ogle AJ, she raised her voice slightly and said: "Stop looking at me."
Moments later, AJ and Will had to physically escort the Sin City star into the house as his slow pace threatened to delay the live show.
Arriving in the compound, the actor - who won a Bafta for his role in the acclaimed 2008 film The Wrestler - was greeted by housemates doing a massive conga.
Ahead of the show, party animal Mickey said: "I have no expectations. I’ve never seen it. I'm just going to go in, do my thing, and we'll see."
In the spin-off programme Big Brother: Late & Live, guest Alan Carr joked the Nine 1/2 Weeks star's "tongue was hanging out".
He said: "Can we talk about Mickey Rourke looking at you? Wow his eyes.
"Find someone who looks at you the way Mickey looks at you [AJ]. His tongue was hanging out."
AJ replied: "It literally was. I was like 'You can't afford these feathers Mickey, no'."
The studio crowd weren't impressed by his antics and let out boos as the moment was discussed.
And those at home weren't keen either, with one writing on X: "why are they brushing over Mickey being pervy."
Another said: "Who told Mickey Rourke this was a good idea."
A third posted: "can we all agree we’re voting Mickey out this week."
Another viewer also predicted the American's early exit, writing: "Mickey Rourke will be out of the house first, mark my words."
One concerned X user posted: "Scared for all the women in that house now with how Mickey was with AJ on live television mind you."
Following news that Mickey was taking part in the reality show, some of his friends expressed fears he could end up “cancelling” himself due to his hellraising antics.
A source said: “Mickey is a real character and has a very unique way of going about things.
"He is outspoken and isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. He’s proud of his body and loves walking around naked.”
