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Mickey Rourke’s explosive exchange with Celebrity Big Brother co-star Chris Hughes – and his grovelling post-exit apology – have been revealed after the Hollywood star was removed from the ITV show’s house

Celebrity Big Brother’s Mickey Rourke has been kicked off the ITV show for “inappropriate language and unacceptable behaviour” less than week after he made his big debut. The star later confessed “I blame myself” as he took responsibility for his inappropriate behaviour.

The Hollywood star’s time in the Celebrity Big Brother house was marred by controversy before he even entered the show on Monday – from grabbing host AJ Odudu during his entrance to receiving a formal warning over homophobic language used towards JoJo Siwa.

Now, Mickey has been removed from the show for “further use of inappropriate language and unacceptable behaviour” following a disagreement with fellow housemate Chris Hughes.

Issuing an apology, he told Big Brother: “I blame myself, I know it was my bad. You know, I’ve got a short fuse and I know I upset a lot of people out there, you know. And I’m sorry for that. I’m actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot. I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen.”

Earlier in the week, Micky received a formal warning from Big Brother after using a homophobic slur during a conversation with JoJo Siwa. After asking about her sexuality, Mickey told her: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.” After JoJo replied by saying that she would still be gay and in a very happy relationship with her non-binary partner, Mickey told Chris Hughes that he’s going to “vote the lesbian out real quick”.

He then said: “I need a fag,” before gesturing to JoJo and saying: “I’m not talking to you.” After being called to the diary room, Mickey was told by Big Brother that he used “unacceptable language and behaviour” and that repeated use of it could lead to him being removed from the Big Brother house.

Now, Mickey is at risk of having his rumoured £500,000 fee slashed by ITV after being forced to leave the show early. A source told The Sun: “Mickey won’t be receiving all his money from ITV. If a celebrity gets removed from the house, they don’t get the full fee.

“It’s as simple as that and they will be discussing that with him. Mickey was ready to leave the house and it ended up feeling like a mutual decision between him and ITV in the end. It was getting too much.”

Mickey’s pay cheque slashed

Although Mickey Rourke had signed a contract for £500,000, reports claim his pay will be slashed.

According to The Sun, this could now dunk down to just a fraction of the amount he went out for – with Mickey potentially only receiving £50,000 due to his contract being pro-rata despite entering the house for the money.

“Mickey didn’t do Celebrity Big Brother for the experience and was counting on that money,” a source told the outlet. The source added: “He’s lost a huge amount by leaving the show early. It was worked out on a pro rata basis. Conversations are ongoing so the fee may change but a contract is a contract.”

Mickey’s pay has reportedly been slashed (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

Mickey left housemates ‘scared’ says host

Celeb Big Brother host Will Best has claimed that the housemates were left “nervous and scared” by Mickey’s behaviour.

During an appearance on This Morning, Will said: “I can’t repeat exactly what Mickey said, but it was bad, and it made not just Chris [Hughes] – Chris handled it very well – but it made the rest of the house feel vulnerable, a bit scared.”

Reflecting on Mickey’s comment towards Ella Rae Wise, Will said it was “totally inappropriate”, before saying it “made her feel understandably vulnerable, and that is the point where you’ve got to go.”

Will has claimed that the Celeb Big Brother housemates were ‘scared and nervous’ of Mickey (
Image:
ITV)

19:13Daniel Bird

Chris Hughes leaves housemate fuming

Ella Rae Wise recently revealed she was frustrated that Chris hadn’t gotten to know her during their time in the house.

In a teaser clip for the latest episode, Ella said: “Chris, I think, the more I’m around him, the more he’s getting on my nerves.”

16:46Daniel Bird

Michael Fabricant’s plea to Celeb Big Brother bosses

Sir Michael Fabricant has only been out of the Celebrity Big Brother house for three days and admits he wants to return.

The former Tory MP became the first person to be evicted on Friday night but following Mickey Rourke’s axing, he’s issued a plea to bosses. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Missing Danny, Jack, Donna, JoJo and nearly all of the others,” alongside a crying emoji.

He added: “I WANT TO GO BACK IN!! #CBBUK.”

Mickey Rourke grabs his crotch as he flees the UK

After being kicked out of the iconic house on Sunday, Mickey Rourke was seen in public for the first time – and it appears that he may not have learned his lesson just yet.

The controversial star was seen grabbing his crotch in the street on Monday morning in a crude gesture to a passerby. Suggesting that perhaps his apology was not sincere, Mickey was photographed grabbing his crotch while standing in the street after arriving to London before making his way to the airport to head back to the US.

Mickey looked slightly disheveled as he was seen in his signature baggy blue jeans and a worn-in grey zip-up. The star finished off the look with a pair of cowboy boots.

Despite inappropriately grabbing his crotch, Mickey appeared in high spirits after being kicked out of the Celebrity Big Brother house as he was seen smiling and waving at fans in the street before hopping into a vehicle.

Mickey grabbed his crotch as he stepped out after his exit (
Image:
Mirrorpix)

14:18Mia O’Hare

Mickey Rourke’s disgusting habit revealed

Mickey Rourke’s Celebrity Big Brother co-star has revealed he snuck in an item into the house without show bosses knowing – along with his gross habit.

He had shocked with his unusual habits, as he was slammed for brushing his teeth in the kitchen sink. Yet housemate Michael Fabricant has revealed another shocking habit of Mickey’s as well as his smuggled item.

Speaking on This Morning he said: “My job was to replace the batteries on the radio mics every morning, every evening.

“Mickey would sleep with all his clothes on, would sleep on the couch, he didn’t want to get into a bed. I would pull out his radio mic because he was still half asleep and it was covered in chocolate. Melted chocolate. He was on another planet for the whole TV show.”

Host Will Best, who was also on the This Morning sofa, appeared shocked as he probed: “He had chocolate in his back pocket?”

Michael replied: “Along with the radio mic. I would try to prize it open and get the battery. I don’t know where he got the chocolate from. Maybe he smuggled it in?”

Ella Rae Wise drops nomination bombshell

Ella Rae Wise is set to deliver a particularly brutal nomination that will take fans by surprise on tonight’s episode ahead of Tuesday night’s eviction.

In tonight’s episode, Ella Rae Wise tells Big Brother: “My first nomination is Chris. Just because I don’t know 100 percent if he’s being his genuine self and I wouldn’t know that because the only time we speak is if we ask each other if we’re ok and is there anything that we want.

“We haven’t had any other conversation other than that. I feel like he’s keeping himself to one person only and that’s obviously JoJo. He hasn’t allowed himself to make connections with anyone else other than her. I feel like he’s playing a massive game.”

Ella’s decision is set to shock viewers, who suspected that there may have been a romance brewing between them.

Fans thought Chris and Ella could spark a romance (
Image:
ITV)

14:07Mia O’Hare

Mickey Rourke’s telling exit comment that wasn’t aired

Michael Fabricant has revealed that Mickey Rourke made an interesting comment about leaving the show, days before he was asked to leave by bosses.

Speaking on This Morning after his own exit, Michael said: “He was always on another planet. He told me on Monday that he was going to be out on Thursday.

“Jack said to him, ‘Was that in your contract?’ He said, ‘Hey man, I never read no contract. It’s what my agent told me.’”

14:03Mia O’Hare

Chris Hughes gets very unique punishment

The drama is set to continue on tonight’s instalment of Celebrity Big Brother as Chris Hughes gets his punishment for breaking the rules.

“RULE BREAK ALERT,” the official Twitter (X) account for Celebrity Big Brother wrote on the platform this morning. “At 3:14pm in the garden, Chris said, ‘I guess I know who Trisha and Patsy are going to vote for…

“They’ll probably vote for each other, that’s fair after yesterday.’ As a punishment, he will be put in the wheelie bin of shame and have to write an apology rap. #CBBUK #BBLL.”

Chris being forced to write an apology rap is seemingly a nod to his infamous offer to freestyle during his time in the Love Island villa back in 2017.

Chris didn’t wear his pirate uniform correctly (
Image:
ITV)

13:54Mia O’Hare

Ella Rae Wise explodes at Chris Hughes amid romance rumours

Ella Rae Wise is set to launch into an explosive rant at Chris Hughes as things reach boiling point for her in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

The TOWIE star, 24, had been flirty with Chris, 32, when entering the house as fans suspected a new romance on the card. Yet there has been distance between them in recent days, as Chris bonded with JoJo Siwa instead.

In the upcoming episode, the housemates gather in the living room, where Big Brother tells them they failed the shopping task because some were not wearing their full pirate outfits.

Chris’ name was in the frame for failing to wear the proper pirate look, with Ella jumping in to share her opinion. He was also called out for breaking house rules by chatting about nominations with Donna Preston.

Ella frowned at the news as she quipped: “So the first shopping task we failed.” She turned to Chris and said: “It is what it is. [He’s saying] I did this I did that. Get over it.”

21:10KEY EVENT

Mickey’s pay cheque slashed

Although Mickey Rourke had signed a contract for £500,000, reports claim his pay will be slashed.

According to The Sun, this could now dunk down to just a fraction of the amount he went out for – with Mickey potentially only receiving £50,000 due to his contract being pro-rata despite entering the house for the money.

“Mickey didn’t do Celebrity Big Brother for the experience and was counting on that money,” a source told the outlet. The source added: “He’s lost a huge amount by leaving the show early. It was worked out on a pro rata basis. Conversations are ongoing so the fee may change but a contract is a contract.”

Mickey’s pay has reportedly been slashed (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

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20:56Daniel Bird

Mickey left housemates ‘scared’ says host

Celeb Big Brother host Will Best has claimed that the housemates were left “nervous and scared” by Mickey’s behaviour.

During an appearance on This Morning, Will said: “I can’t repeat exactly what Mickey said, but it was bad, and it made not just Chris [Hughes] – Chris handled it very well – but it made the rest of the house feel vulnerable, a bit scared.”

Reflecting on Mickey’s comment towards Ella Rae Wise, Will said it was “totally inappropriate”, before saying it “made her feel understandably vulnerable, and that is the point where you’ve got to go.”

Will has claimed that the Celeb Big Brother housemates were ‘scared and nervous’ of Mickey (
Image:
ITV)

19:13Daniel Bird

Chris Hughes leaves housemate fuming

Ella Rae Wise recently revealed she was frustrated that Chris hadn’t gotten to know her during their time in the house.

In a teaser clip for the latest episode, Ella said: “Chris, I think, the more I’m around him, the more he’s getting on my nerves.”

16:46Daniel Bird

Michael Fabricant’s plea to Celeb Big Brother bosses

Sir Michael Fabricant has only been out of the Celebrity Big Brother house for three days and admits he wants to return.

The former Tory MP became the first person to be evicted on Friday night but following Mickey Rourke’s axing, he’s issued a plea to bosses. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Missing Danny, Jack, Donna, JoJo and nearly all of the others,” alongside a crying emoji.

He added: “I WANT TO GO BACK IN!! #CBBUK.”

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15:06Mia O’Hare

Mickey Rourke grabs his crotch as he flees the UK

After being kicked out of the iconic house on Sunday, Mickey Rourke was seen in public for the first time – and it appears that he may not have learned his lesson just yet.

The controversial star was seen grabbing his crotch in the street on Monday morning in a crude gesture to a passerby. Suggesting that perhaps his apology was not sincere, Mickey was photographed grabbing his crotch while standing in the street after arriving to London before making his way to the airport to head back to the US.

Mickey looked slightly disheveled as he was seen in his signature baggy blue jeans and a worn-in grey zip-up. The star finished off the look with a pair of cowboy boots.

Despite inappropriately grabbing his crotch, Mickey appeared in high spirits after being kicked out of the Celebrity Big Brother house as he was seen smiling and waving at fans in the street before hopping into a vehicle.

Mickey grabbed his crotch as he stepped out after his exit (
Image:
Mirrorpix)

14:18Mia O’Hare

Mickey Rourke’s disgusting habit revealed

Mickey Rourke’s Celebrity Big Brother co-star has revealed he snuck in an item into the house without show bosses knowing – along with his gross habit.

He had shocked with his unusual habits, as he was slammed for brushing his teeth in the kitchen sink. Yet housemate Michael Fabricant has revealed another shocking habit of Mickey’s as well as his smuggled item.

Speaking on This Morning he said: “My job was to replace the batteries on the radio mics every morning, every evening.

“Mickey would sleep with all his clothes on, would sleep on the couch, he didn’t want to get into a bed. I would pull out his radio mic because he was still half asleep and it was covered in chocolate. Melted chocolate. He was on another planet for the whole TV show.”

Host Will Best, who was also on the This Morning sofa, appeared shocked as he probed: “He had chocolate in his back pocket?”

Michael replied: “Along with the radio mic. I would try to prize it open and get the battery. I don’t know where he got the chocolate from. Maybe he smuggled it in?”

14:12Mia O’Hare

Ella Rae Wise drops nomination bombshell

Ella Rae Wise is set to deliver a particularly brutal nomination that will take fans by surprise on tonight’s episode ahead of Tuesday night’s eviction.

In tonight’s episode, Ella Rae Wise tells Big Brother: “My first nomination is Chris. Just because I don’t know 100 percent if he’s being his genuine self and I wouldn’t know that because the only time we speak is if we ask each other if we’re ok and is there anything that we want.

“We haven’t had any other conversation other than that. I feel like he’s keeping himself to one person only and that’s obviously JoJo. He hasn’t allowed himself to make connections with anyone else other than her. I feel like he’s playing a massive game.”

Ella’s decision is set to shock viewers, who suspected that there may have been a romance brewing between them.

Fans thought Chris and Ella could spark a romance (
Image:
ITV)Don’t Miss

Celebrity Big Brother fans spot moment Chris Hughes ‘got Mickey Rourke evicted on purpose’

Michael Fabricant reveals Mickey Rourke’s telling exit comment that wasn’t aired
Mickey Rourke grabs his crotch as he flees the UK after Celebrity Big Brother axe
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14:07Mia O’Hare

Mickey Rourke’s telling exit comment that wasn’t aired

Michael Fabricant has revealed that Mickey Rourke made an interesting comment about leaving the show, days before he was asked to leave by bosses.

Speaking on This Morning after his own exit, Michael said: “He was always on another planet. He told me on Monday that he was going to be out on Thursday.

“Jack said to him, ‘Was that in your contract?’ He said, ‘Hey man, I never read no contract. It’s what my agent told me.’”

14:03Mia O’Hare

Chris Hughes gets very unique punishment

The drama is set to continue on tonight’s instalment of Celebrity Big Brother as Chris Hughes gets his punishment for breaking the rules.

“RULE BREAK ALERT,” the official Twitter (X) account for Celebrity Big Brother wrote on the platform this morning. “At 3:14pm in the garden, Chris said, ‘I guess I know who Trisha and Patsy are going to vote for…

“They’ll probably vote for each other, that’s fair after yesterday.’ As a punishment, he will be put in the wheelie bin of shame and have to write an apology rap. #CBBUK #BBLL.”

Chris being forced to write an apology rap is seemingly a nod to his infamous offer to freestyle during his time in the Love Island villa back in 2017.

Chris didn’t wear his pirate uniform correctly (
Image:
ITV)

13:54Mia O’Hare

Ella Rae Wise explodes at Chris Hughes amid romance rumours

Ella Rae Wise is set to launch into an explosive rant at Chris Hughes as things reach boiling point for her in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

The TOWIE star, 24, had been flirty with Chris, 32, when entering the house as fans suspected a new romance on the card. Yet there has been distance between them in recent days, as Chris bonded with JoJo Siwa instead.

In the upcoming episode, the housemates gather in the living room, where Big Brother tells them they failed the shopping task because some were not wearing their full pirate outfits.

Chris’ name was in the frame for failing to wear the proper pirate look, with Ella jumping in to share her opinion. He was also called out for breaking house rules by chatting about nominations with Donna Preston.

Ella frowned at the news as she quipped: “So the first shopping task we failed.” She turned to Chris and said: “It is what it is. [He’s saying] I did this I did that. Get over it.”

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12:36Lauren Morris

Mickey Rourke breaks silence on Bella Thorne’s allegations

Mickey Rourke has broken his silence on former co-star Bella Thorne’s accusations that he “bruised her genitals” while filming 2020 movie Girl.

Last week, Bella took to Instagram to say that working with Mickey on the film was “one of the all time worst experiences of my life”, adding: “He’s supposed to take a metal grinder to my knee cap and instead he used it on my genitals thru my jeans. Hitting them over and over again. I had bruises on my pelvic bone.”

The actor has now broken his silence, with a representative telling Variety: “These allegations are extremely serious. Mr. Rourke adamantly denies any intentional misconduct.

“He was not made aware of any such concerns during filming and had no prior knowledge of Ms. Thorne’s discomfort until now. Out of respect for all parties and given the gravity of the claims, Mr. Rourke will not be making further public comment at this time. He remains willing to cooperate with any appropriate inquiry through the proper channels. We affirm the right of every performer to feel safe and respected in their work environment.”

MAIN Mickey Rourke breaks silence after Bella Thorne accuses him of ‘bruising her pelvic bone’ on set

12:17Lauren Morris

Mickey Rourke warned about his temper before entering Celebrity Big Brother

Mickey Rourke revealed that he was previously warned about his short temper before entering the Celebrity Big Brother house. Speaking in the diary room after being asked to leave by the show, Mickey said that he had been “trying his whole life” to control his temper.

“I wish I would have had better self-control and I’m very sorry,” he said. “I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen.”

The actor was dramatically axed from the show over his behaviour (
Image:
ITV/Celebrity Big Brother )

12:05Lauren Morris

Chris Hughes to face punishment after huge rule break

Celebrity Big Brother has revealed that Chris Hughes will be facing punishment after breaking a rule in tonight’s episode. As confirmed by the show’s X account, Chris spoke about nominations in the garden at 3:14pm yesterday.

“At 3:14pm in the garden, Chris said, ‘I guess I know who Trisha and Patsy are going to vote for… They’ll probably vote for each other, that’s fair after yesterday.’ As a punishment, he will be put in the wheelie bin of shame and have to write an apology rap. #CBBUK #BBLL,” Big Brother tweeted.

(
Image:
REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

11:27Lauren Morris

Michael Fabricant tells Trisha Goddard to keep her ‘gob shut’

Michael Fabricant has hit out at Celebrity Big Brother star Trisha Goddard, telling her that she should “keep her gob shut”. The former Tory MP, who was evicted from the show on Friday, appeared on Late and Live last night and revealed that he felt “uncomfortable” around Trisha.

He added: “If Trish is watching this on a recording, Trish if you’re not sure where something is going, keep your gob shut.”

It comes after Michael began speaking about immigration in the house and spoke about his experience of being of Jewish descent, saying: “Do not come to this country if your aim is to change everybody to your way of thinking.” Trisha then jumped in to ask: “Hang on! Are you slipping into Islamophobia? Because you’re going to have trouble.”

Michael made the ‘gross’ comment when he was evicted (
Image:
ITV)

10:55Lauren Morris

Danny Beard’s friend slams Mickey Rourke as ‘absolutely disgusting’

Danny Beard’s friend and podcast co-host Billy Andrew has slammed Mickey Rourke after the 72-year-old actor was removed from the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Speaking to Lorraine’s Kate Garraway today, Mickey spoke about how Danny had to break up Chris Hughes and Mickey Rourke after the latter became aggressive. “It’s absolutely disgusting,” he said. “When he first went into the house with the whole AJ thing and the JoJo thing and then the comments to Ella.

“Plus his argument with Chris that really nearly did escalate into a physical altercation. I found that Big Brother made the right decision to get rid.”

(
Image:
REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

10:18Lauren Morris

GMB’s Richard Arnold addresses Mickey’s ‘distressing’ behaviour

Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold has spoken out about Mickey Rourke’s removal from the house, adding: “It was a deeply distressing watch.”

He added: “It’s been an eventful weekend… They were dressed as pirates as part of a playful task but it was anything but. Squaring up like that, as well, out of nothing, it just came from nowhere.”

(
Image:
ITV)

Chris Hughes’ brother breaks silence on JoJo Siwa ‘romance’

Chris Hughes’ brother Ben has opened up about the Love Island star’s bedroom antics with fellow Celebrity Big Brother housemate JoJo Siwa.

During last night’s show, Chris was seen stroking JoJo’s back as they shared a bed – despite the fact that JoJo is in a relationship with influencer Kath Ebbs.

Speaking on Lorraine, Ben said: “I actually think that maybe they’ve just formed a great friendship due to the fact that Chris stood up for JoJo. I think JoJo is in a solid relationship. Chris will know that and I think they’ve got each other’s backs.”

(
Image:
REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

08:34Zoe Delaney

Fans spot moment Chris Hughes ‘got Mickey Rourke evicted on purpose’

Celebrity Big Brother fans think they’ve spotted the moment Chris Hughes ‘tried to get Mickey Rourke chucked out of the house.

The pair got in a heated war of words during a pirate themed task that ultimately ended up costing Mickey his place in the house as he lost his temper in spectacular style.

The Hollywood actor was already on a warning following his vile homophobic abuse towards JoJo Siwa, before Chris became his next target. Read the full story here.

06:54Zoe Delaney

‘CBB bosses knew what they were doing booking Mickey Rourke’

Celebrity Big Brother bosses “knew what was going to happen” signing Mickey Rourke up for the ITV series, it has been claimed.

According to one insider, the Hollywood actor’s behaviour and early exit shouldn’t come as a surprise to Celebrity Big Brother bosses. “Big Brother knew what was going to happen when they booked bad boy Mickey Rourke. They wanted a lion but expected him to act like a lamb,” the source says.

Speaking to The Sun, they add: “They knew what they were doing putting him in alongside young people when he’s 72 and from a totally different generation. He never intended to offend anyone and had every intention of staying in there.” The Mirror has approached ITV for comment.

Celebrity Big Brother

As Big Brother told Rourke he would be leaving the house, the actor said he blamed himself and revealed he had wanted his Big Brother experience to end earlier.

“I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen,” he admitted.

Rourke had been put up for eviction on Friday, alongside former Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant and Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd, but was saved by the public vote.

After his departure Sir Michael reposted a social media post on Twitter (X) announcing Rourke’s exit and wrote: “He wanted to leave on day one.”

23:10Jasmine Allday

Late and Live’s look back

On tonight’s episode of Late and Live with host Will Best, a string of former housemates appeared to discuss Mickey’s time on the show. Rather than a highlights reel, a compilation of what happened during his time on the show aired.

It ended with some more positive moments with Mickey in the house. He said: “It wasn’t an easy thing for me to do,” before they aired a clip of his apology.

22:59KEY EVENT

Mickey Rourke’s final exchange with Big Brother in full

Mickey Rourke was removed from the Celebrity Big Brother house on Saturday nigth following a final conversation with the disembodied overlord. Big Brother told the star: “Mickey, Big Brother needs to speak to you about your behaviour. Earlier today in a disagreement with Chris, your language and behaviour was threatening and aggressive. Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behaviour. In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella.”

Mickey Rourke left the Celebrity Big Brother house on Saturday (
Image:
ITV/Celebrity Big Brother )
Mickey then replied: “Oh, I’m not aware of that but OK.” And Big Brother went on: ”This language has caused offence to your fellow housemates and could cause offence to the viewing public. This is not the first time Big Brother has had to speak to you about your offensive and inappropriate language.”

Mickey said: “Yes sir. I did wrong. I apologise. I’m sorry. I can’t take it back, you know, I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing. ‘Cause I lost my temper, and I’ve been trying to work on it my whole life and I wish I would have had better self-control and I’m very sorry.

“I’m ashamed of myself for losing it for a few seconds there. Nobody got touched or hurt. Maybe some feelings got hurt or maybe others have feelings about others getting upset but, you know, I’m sorry about that.”

Big Brother then declared: “Big Brother considers your language and behaviour today to be seriously unacceptable and as a result Big Brother has no option but to ask you to leave the Big Brother house.”

In a final comment, Mickey said: “I blame myself, I know it was my bad. You know, I’ve got a short fuse and I know I upset a lot of people out there, you know. And I’m sorry for that. I’m actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot. I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen.”

22:55Seamus Duff

Celebrity Big Brother stars’ true feelings about Mickey Rourke’s exposed in telling clue

While Celebrity Big Brother fans have been shocked, stunned and relieved over the exit of Hollywood star Mickey Rourke, it is possible the true feelings of some co-stars were explosed soon before he was told to leave the house.

An argument erupted when Trisha Goddard mentioned there was a “rat amongst them” – prompting Chris Hughes to look towards Mickey, sparkng a major reaction that contributed towards his removal.

22:48KEY EVENT

Mickey Rourke removed from the Big Brother house

Big Brother informed the household: “Mickey has lef the Celebrity Big Brother house and won’t be returning.” Big Brother then asked one of the housemates to pack up the star’s belongings and leave them to be collected.

JoJo voluneered and ran to the bedroom to retrieve the star’s belongings. Earlier in the show, she had been shown bonding with the actor despite all his behaviour. She said it was “heartbreaking” that he had not gelled with the other housemates and insisted there’s “a lovely side” to him.

22:42Seamus Duff

Chirs Hughes admits ‘male aggression is disturbing’ after Mickey Rourke clash

Chris Hughes and Mickey Rourke hugged things out after clashing over an awkward glance. Tensions had erupted after Chris glared at Mickey in a task – sending the Hollywood star into an agressive outburst where he swore at the Love Island star and seemingly threatened to throw him on the floor.

After they patched things up, Chris visited the Diary Room wher he said he was concerned by they behavious. The reality star confessed: “My day’s been very interesting. He doesn’t like to be stared at … Male aggression in social situations is disturbing.. It’s not a nice thing for anyone to see.”

22:37KEY EVENT

Ella Rae Wise in tears over Mickey Rourke’s comment

After Mickey made a sequalised quip to Ella, she broke down in tears while surrouded by her co-stars. EastEnders star Patsy Palmer shared her horror over Mickey’s comments and said she was thinking of her daughters.

Ella Rae Wise burst into tears after Mickey Rourke made a sexualised comment about her (
Image:
ITV)
After being called to the Diary Room to decomplress, Ella broke down in tears instead and siad: “It makes me feel on edge. I don’t like the jokes. I don’t like the sexualised jokes made about me. I’m a young girl. I’m not a piece of meat. He’s making people feel uneasy.”

Mickey’s comments ultimately led to the star exiting the show early.

22:29KEY EVENT

Mickey causes backlash with sexualised comment

Viewers were shocked when Mickey Rourke made a sexualised comment to co-star Ella Rae Wise. While speaking in the kitchen, Ella commented: “Come with me, Mickey” – only for the Hollywood star to then joke: “Come in you?”

The joke landed flat and was regarded as insensitve – while Ella despaired over the comment, Patsy Palmer then said: “That’s what happens, I’m just starting to be his mate and something slips out.” Viewers were also offended, with one on X writing: “Mickey Rourke actually makes me feel sick… that comment he made to Ella? What????” alongside vomiting emojis.

Ahead of Mickey being told to leave the CBB house, he was scolded for his comment to Ella. He confessed: “Oh, I’m not aware of that but okay… I did wrong. I apologise. I’m sorry. I can’t take it back, you know, I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing.”

22:24Seamus Duff

Mickey Rourke declared he and JoJo were friends before shock removal

Mickey Rourke reflected on his growing friendship with JoJo Siwa ahead of his shock exit. Highlihgt showed the pair playfully joking together days after they bitterly clashed in the house after he mocked her sexuality. After being appointed captain during a pirate themed challenge, Mickey told the singer: “Your sword is on backwards” – only for JoJo to retort: “You’re backwards!” leading to them both to laugh alongside the fellow housemates.

Speaking to Big Brother in the Diary Room soon after, Mickey said he was feeling like he had established a friendhsip with the American singer.

22:07Seamus Duff

Mickey Rourke downcast when he wasn’t evicted

Mickey Rourke appeared annoyed on Friday night when he was not evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother house on Friday night. Politician Michael Fabricant was evicted instead.

Following the result, Mickey slumped at a table, drawing attention from felow contestants including Angellica Bell and Patsy Palmer. Asking him if he was OK, the Iron Man star said he was not, adding “I wanted to go home” – with his confession being declared just 24 hours before his eventual exit.

Mickey added: “I did my best to get out of here.” While Angellica joked he had been “a d**k” but the public had voted to save him regardless.

21:57Seamus Duff

Chris Hughes’s reaction to Mickey Rourke’s ‘homophobic’ outbursts

Mickey Rourke and Chris Hughes’s clash during a pirate themed task ultimately led to the Hollywood star’s eviciton from the Celebrity Big Brother house – but they had previously brushed against each other over LGBTQ+ rights. Tensions rose when Mickey targeted singer JoJo Siwa, implying he intended to vote her for eviction purely because she is a lesbian.

In shock scenes, Mickey shouted at the American singer from across the courtyard: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” before saying he will “tie” her up. Soon after, he announced he needed a cigarette, stating that he “needs a fag” – before pointing at JoJo and saying, “I’m not talking to you.”

Chris confronted Mickey over his words, and told him repeatedly: “Mickey, you can’t say that.” After JoJo was left upset by the exchange, Chris went to comfort her, and said: “Have a little cry, crying is my favourite therapy. Snuggle in. Have a good cry – that’s you getting your frustration out as well.”

21:00KEY EVENT

Mickey seen for the first time after exit

Celebrity Big Brother’s Mickey Rourke has been seen for the first time since his axe.

Mickey Rourke has broken cover after quitting Celebrity Big Brother (Image: CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)
In exclusive pictures obtained by The Mirror, Mickey was joined by a security guard as he sat on the steps outside of a luxury hotel. Mickey was axed from the programme for his behaviour towards his housemates and for the language he used.

His exit scenes will air this evening on the ITV1 show.

Mickey Rourke breaks cover as ITV release footage of shock Celebrity Big Brother axe

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20:47Seamus Duff

Celebrity Big Brother airs later tonight

A reminder to Celebrity Big Brother fans that the show airs at the later time of 10pm tonight. The show usually airs at 9pm on ITV and via ITVX – but is airing an hour later than ususal on Sunday 13 April.

The reason for the delay is that new drama Grace is airing at 8pm on ITV and runs for two hours. The Sunday night episode of CBB is set to show Mickey Rourke’s explosive exit.

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20:11KEY EVENT

Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate returns after shock Mickey Rourke exit

A former Celebrity Big Brother contestant has returned to the famous reality show house following the exit of Mickey Rourke. After a long day, and plent of drama, a spoiler report has revealed that a contestant from the 2024 season of the show is set to make a shock return to the house.

The remaining housemates are surprised to be greeted by a mesmerizing mermaid lounging in the hottub – played by none other than last series’ celebrity housemate, Lauren Simon. The Real Housewives star’s involvement has sparked speculation she could be a replacement for Mickey following his abrupt exut.

Real Housewives star Lauren Simon is set to make a triumphant return to Celebrity Big Brother (Image: REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

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19:41KEY EVENT

Celebrity Big Brother share second reason behind Mickey Rourke axe

Mickey Rourke was removed from the Celebrity Big Brother house after it was revealed he had engaged in “threatening and aggressive” language. This reasoning was revealed on Saturday soon after the Hollywood star was axed from the show.

However, information released on Sunday revealed that there was a second reason the star was removed – as he was called to the Diary Room and warned: “In addition, you have used inappropriate sexual language to Ella [Rae Wise].” The Iron Man actor replied: “Oh, I’m not aware of that but okay.”

Big Brother then told him: “This language has caused offence to your fellow housemates and could cause offence to the viewing public. This is not the first time Big Brother has had to speak to you about your offensive and inappropriate language.”

Mickey then replied: “Yes sir. I did wrong. I apologise. I’m sorry. I can’t take it back, you know, I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing.”

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19:37Seamus Duff

What AJ Odudu said about Mickey Rourke inappropriate behaviour

Micley Rourke caused controversey before he even set inside the Celebrity Big Brother house last week as he ogled show host AJ Odudu. The 37-year-old host addressed the awkward moment in companion show Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live following the launch show.

The host reflected on the incident after panel guest Alan Carr drew attention to the cringe-inducing moment. The comedian asked: “Can we talk about Mickey Rourke looking at you? Wow his eyes. Find someone who looks at you the way Mickey looks at you. His tongue was hanging out.”

Odudu, who had already been praised by fans for remaining professional after the Hollywood star leered at her, gracefully replied: “It literally was. I was like, “You can’t afford these feathers, Mickey, no!’”

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19:03Seamus Duff

Celebrity Big Brother odds reveal new favourite to win after Mickey Rourke shock exit

Love Island star Chris Hughes has become the new favourite to win Celebrity Big Brother after he clashed with Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke in the reality show house. Iron Man 2 actor Mickey, 72, caused plenty of friction inside the house in the few days that he took part in the reality show ahead of his shock exit on Saturday.

Even before Mickey’s shock exit aired on Sunday night, odds were updated to show Chris as the new star to beat. According to the Daily Mail, Coral Bookmakers’ statistics gave Love Island star odds of 5/4 – while the closest other stars are Drag performer Danny Beard and singer JoJo Siwa who both have odds of 7/2.

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18:50KEY EVENT

Watch the moment between Mickey and Chris

Here’s the exact moment Chris and Mickey came to verbal blows during the pirate task.

Sneak Peek. Big Brother takes control of the ship after Mickey gets heated with his crew mate #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/a727ekeoy8

— Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) April 13, 2025

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18:31KEY EVENT

The foul-mouthed rant between Mickey Rourke and Chris Hughes revealed

Tensions erupted between Mickey Rourke and Chris Hughes during a Celebrity Big Brother task. Spoilers for Sunday’s episode revealed the housemates had to undergo a pirate themed task.

JoJo was given the role of captain and is in charge of steering the ship and at one point warned: “Step back in line, soldier.” However, Chris steps out of line and looks at Mickey, provoking the Hollywood star to step out of line and confronts Chris.

After JoJo says: “Mickey… Ahoy.” Mickey says to Chris: “You looking at me?” Leading JoJo to urge: “Ahoy. You’re not the captain of this ship. Ahoy. Back up soldier.”

Mickey was seen using aggressive language to Chris (Image: Celebrity Big Brother UK)
But Mickey then says to Chris: “Don’t eyeball me.” Chris then insists: “Mickey it was a joke, f***ing …” Mickey says: “Don’t f***ing eyeball me. You c***.”

Danny Beard and JoJo both try to diffuse the situation, but as tensions rise, Chris barks: “F***ing stand there.” Mickey then responds: “What did he say?” Danny says: “He was joking.”

Danny and Daley Thompson then stand between Mickey and Chris trying to diffuse the situation. Chris says: “Mickey, it was a joke.” Big Brother then intervenes and orders Mickey to the diary room, but the Iron Man 2 star warns “No, your a** will be right there in a second” before he leaves the scene.

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18:09Seamus Duff

Celebrity Big Brother reveals incident that led to Mickey Rourke removal

Celebrity Big Brother fans have been desperate to know what exactly happened to provoke Mickey Rourke to exit the show – and now the moment in question has been revealed. Spoilers for today’s episode reveal that tensions boiled over during a pirate themed.

When Love Island star Chris Hughes and Mickey stepped out of line during part of the taks, they began to clash with Chris ultimately barking at Mickey “F***ing stand there.” Despite trying to laugh off the moment as a joke, Mickey becomes agressive and rerorts while pointing to the ground: “No, your a** will be right there in a second.”

Chris told Mickey he was joking (Image: Celebrity Big Brother UK)
Mickey is then summond to the Diary Room and is later told: “Big Brother does not tolerate threatening language or behaviour.”

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18:03KEY EVENT

Mickey Rourke issues grovelling apology after Celebrity Big Brother axe

Mickey Rourke has issued a grovelling apology after his shock Celebrity Big Brother axe. The scenes will air this evening as Mickey is kicked out of the house following the use of “threatening and aggressive” language.

After being told some of his lanaguage was offensive, he replied: “Yes sir. I did wrong. I apologise. I’m sorry. I can’t take it back, you know, I stepped over the line. And I take responsibility for doing the wrong thing. ‘Cause I lost my temper, and I’ve been trying to work on it my whole life and I wish I would have had better self-control and I’m very sorry. I’m ashamed of myself for losing it for a few seconds there. Nobody got touched or hurt. Maybe some feelings got hurt or maybe others have feelings about others getting upset but, you know, I’m sorry about that.”

And he went on to declare: “I blame myself, I know it was my bad. You know, I’ve got a short fuse and I know I upset a lot of people out there, you know. And I’m sorry for that. I’m actually ashamed of myself for getting that hot. I went over the line, you know, I did wrong. I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen.”

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17:26KEY EVENT

Mickey Rourke defended by rugby star pal

Mickey Rourke’s friend Keith Mason has hit out to defend the star following his shock Celebrity Big Brother exit. The 43-year-old former rugby league star blamed “woke culture” for the Iron Man 2 star’s exit.

Taking to X over the weekend, Keith blasted: “I hear my old mate Mickey Rourke has left the big brother house. Not sure what happened as I don’t watch it, but I’m guessing you have to watch what you say or the woke culture cancel brigade will be out to get you! but I guess that’s what you get for living in the Real world.”

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17:24Seamus Duff

JoJo Siwa’s partner lashed out at Mickey before removal

JoJo Siwa’s partner, Kath Ebbs, had hit out at Mickey Rourke online after he made derogatory comments about the American singer. Speaking to their followers, Kath opened the video by saying: “Let’s take out for a second the fact that I obviously have massive emotional stakes in the comments that Mickey made to Jojo by the virtue of her being my f**king partner. They’re also rooted in misogyny and f**king violence.”

After detailing Mickey and Jojo’s conversation, Kath said that the actor wanting to vote Jojo out was “rooted in misogyny”. They said: “If men deem you unf**kable, they have no use for you. If the male gaze is not a part of this situation and I have no power over you sexually- which no offence Mickey you look like a f**king foot, so you don’t stand a chance with anyone anyway because you’re a f**king loser – then I’m going to bully you.

“You’re not going to play into my creepy jokes, I’m going to bully you and say that I don’t want you here. And then he proceeds to call her a f****t. There are so many layers to that interaction, it makes me feel sick to my stomach.”

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17:15Seamus Duff

Celebrity Big Brother host Will Best appears to take a swipe at Mickey Rourke

Celebrity Big Brother host Will Best has seemingly taken a swipe at ditched housemate Mickey Rourke. While interacting with fans via social media, the host revealed that JoJo Siwa, Donna Preston and Danny Beard are his favourite contestants in the 2025 series.

He said: “So those are my three. I’d live with … almost all of them though.” Teasing over his feelings, but not naming anyone in particular, Will added in the clip before taking a sip from his drink: “Almost.”

Fans have questioned if his coy response could be a slight at Rourke – who was ditched from the house due to inappropriate behaviour over the weekend, and days after Will intervened to tell the Hollywood star off for leering at co-host AJ Odudu.

Celebrity Big Brother host Will Best has seemingly taken at swipe at Mickey Rourke (Image: ITV)

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16:55Seamus Duff

Mickey Rourke just the latest in long line of stars removed from CBB house

Celebrity Big Brother fans will see Mickey Rourke agree to leave the Celebrity Big Brother house following a string of in-game offenses – but he is far from the first star to drop out of the show under a cloud of scrutiny. Singer and TV star Ray J dropped out early when he took part in the show in 2017, Christopher Biggins was removed in 2016 following offensive comments, and Jeremy Jackson was given the boot in 2015 following a groping incident.

While many other stars have also been ditched from the house without an official eviction, fans will need to wait until Sunday night to see Mickey exit the show – and learn of the reaction of his fellow housemates.

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16:13Seamus Duff

Mickey Rourke’s offensive slurs add to Celebrity Big Brother’s history of low moments

Fans of Celebrity Big Brother will recal a litany of low moments on the long-running reality show – with race rows, a hot-tub sex scandal and infamous fight nights bringing shame to the reality show. Hollywood star Mickey has added just another chapter into the history of unfortunate moments captured on camera on the long-running series.

During his time in the house, Mickey had been warned by Celebrity Big Brother bosses about his behaviour after making homophobic and fat-shaming comments to fellow housemates JoJo Siwa and Donna Preston. After entering the show, Mickey made homophobic comments towards JoJo and claimed he could ‘turn her straight’.

His behaviour ultimately saw him leave the home – following a yet-to-be aired altercation with Love Island star Chris Hughes.

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16:08Seamus Duff

Mickey Rourke’s bizarre proposal to supermodel ex-wife Carré Otis

Eliminated Celebrity Big Brother star Mickey Rourke has been married twice – and second wife Carré Otis, who he was married to from 1992 until 1998, recounted the alarming proposal he made to her years ago. Opening up in her 2011 memoir, the model revealed that Mickey sent a car for her in 1992 to drive her from LA to Big Sur so he could propose.

She wrote: “I wasn’t really surprised to get a call. I gave in. Just like that. My longing, my loneliness, everything that remained unresolved, had me buying into the hope that we could still set ourselves on the right course.

“Before I knew what he was doing, he got down on one knee. ‘Marry me, Carré,’ he said. ‘Jesus, Mickey. Wait. I haven’t seen you in months!’ I was starting to feel panicked. ‘I need time, some time to think about this.’

“’No. You answer me now,’ he said firmly. Standing up, he went to the back of the car and opened the trunk. ‘I can’t live without you,’ he said again, pulling out a long sword wrapped in beautiful Japanese cloth. ‘What’s that?’ I asked.

“’It’s a hari-kari knife,’ he replied, unwrapping it. The long metal sword caught the afternoon light. Mickey stared into my eyes. ‘Answer me or I will die.’”

She continued: “Was he serious? I wasn’t sure. I was terrified. I waited a beat. I recognised his standard my-way-or-the-highway ultimatum in all this, but it was tinged with a threat of a different kind this time. I heard myself say, ‘Yes, Mickey. I will marry you.’”

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15:44Jasmine Allday

Mickey’s exit scenes

Mickey’s Celebrity Big Brother exit is expected to air this evening when the show returns after its Saturday break.

The show will be back for a new episode this evening, at the later time of 10pm, following drama Grace on ITV1.

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13:54Lauren Morris

Big Brother winner set to return for tonight’s Late and Live

Big Brother winner Jordan Sangha has confirmed that he will be appearing on CBB: Late and Live tonight – which starts at a later time of 11pm.

The reality star took to Instagram to share the panel news ahead of tonight’s show.

Jordan Sangha won the last series (Image: ITV)

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12:07Lauren Morris

Celebrity Big Brother stars caught on livestream shortly after Mickey Rourke axe

Celebrity Big Brother’s livestream caught a glimpse of the remaining housemates shortly after Mickey Rourke’s exit last night – although the video was eventually taken down.

In one clip that was shared online, the stars were seen taking part in a pirate-themed challenge and waving their plastic swords in the air.

You can watch the video and read more about the livestream here.

(Image: CBB)

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11:45Lauren Morris

Mickey Rourke’s grimmest CBB moments – from formal warning to ‘creepy’ behaviour

With Mickey Rourke now officially out of the Celebrity Big Brother house, we’ve looked back on some of his most controversial moments during his short time on the show.

From receiving Ofcom complaints over his behaviour towards AJ Odudu during his entrance to receiving a formal warning for saying a homophobic slur, you can read all about Mickey’s various CBB scandals here.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Vianney Le Caer/REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother (15241934hx) AJ Odudu, Mickey Rourke and Will Best ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ TV Show, Series 2, Launch, London, UK – 07 Apr 2025 (Image: Photo by Vianney Le Caer/REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother )

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11:38Lauren Morris

Mickey Rourke begged to leave CBB house just hours before exit

Mickey was asking his fellow housemates to put him up for eviction just 24 hours before being booted off the show.

The 72-year-old Oscar nominee was seen asking Ella-Rae Wise and Angelica Bell to nominate him in an unearthed clip the day before his exit, with the two stars quickly shutting down nomination discussion to avoid breaking any rules.

You can watch the full clip here.

Mickey has agreed to leave the house (Image: ITV)

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11:33KEY EVENT

Michael Fabricant breaks silence on Mickey Rourke exit

Michael Fabricant has spoken out about Mickey Rourke leaving the Celebrity Big Brother house in a blunt tweet.

The former Tory MP shared a news story about the Hollywood star being booted off the show, writing on X: “He wanted to leave on Day One.”

Michael made the ‘gross’ comment when he was evicted (Image: ITV)

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11:15Lauren Morris

Celebrity Big Brother pulled from regular slot in schedule shake-up

Tonight’s episode of Celebrity Big Brother is set to air at a later time of 10pm – which some fans aren’t happy about.

Taking to social media, fans complained about the show being pushed back, with one writing: “CBB not very mommy friendly being on until 11pm #tired #10pm #bedtime #CBB.”

Sunday episodes of Celebrity Big Brother will air at 10pm each week to make room for ITV drama Grace, which will air at 9pm. This means fans will need to wait a little longer before watching Mickey Rourke’s exit play out on the show.

Michael’s eviction interview with AJ and Will took place in the main show in a shake-up (Image: ITV)

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10:21KEY EVENT

Mickey Rourke’s £500K fee ‘to be slashed’

Mickey Rourke won’t be receiving his full £500K paycheck after being axed from Celebrity Big Brother, according to reports.

A source told The Sun that his fee is set to be slashed after he was kicked out of the house for unacceptable behaviour. “If a celebrity gets removed from the house, they don’t get the full fee. It’s as simple as that and they will be discussing that with him. Mickey was ready to leave the house and it ended up feeling like a mutual decision between him and ITV in the end. It was getting too much,” they said.

Kate Garraway was left red faced during this morning’s Lorraine as she accidentally called herself by her first husband’s name live on air

Kate Garraway suffered an on air blunder as she stepped in for Lorraine on Tuesday morning. During a segment on the show, the Good Morning Britain star was discussing women not taking their husband’s last name.

During the chat, Kate revealed how her late husband Derek Draper cried when she said she would take his last name. However, in an awkward blunder, Kate was heard referring to herself as Kate Rumsey before realising and apologising. .

Describing the moment, Kate revealed how she was asked while doing her wedding list with Derek if she should be put down as “Garraway or Rumsey?”

“Definitely Kate Rumsey,” Kate continued while recalling the story, before announcing Derek burst into tears. However, she then revealed she never actually did change her name after confusion on a flight.

Kate was left red faced at the blunder ( 
Image:
ITV)

Halfway through telling her story, Kate realised her error as she exclaimed: “Rumsey?! My god, that’s my first husband, I’m in chaos this morning!” She then corrected herself with “Draper,” before apologising again at the end of the segment.

Kate was married to Ian Rumsey for four years between 1998 to 2002. The pair met when she worked at Meridian TV with Ian being her boss. However, the couple’s relationship came to an end. It was claimed that Kate kicked Ian out after an affair, although he has always denied the allegations.

Addressing their split at the time, Kate said: “It’s always terribly sad when a marriage comes to an end. I’m disappointed that what’s a very private matter has been brought into the public domain. I was dismayed by reports in the papers because they are substantially inaccurate.” It wasn’t the last the couple saw of each other however, as Ian became the boss of GMB in 2010.

Kate is currently stepping in for Lorraine ( 
Image:
ITV)
Two years after splitting up with Ian, Kate met Derek through a mutual friend. They tied the knot one year later, and welcomed two children, daughter Darcey and son Billy. Unfortunately in March 2020, Derek was put into a medically induced coma and ventilator after contracting coronavirus.

At the start of 2024, the TV host sadly revealed her husband had died in December 2023 following a major heart attack.

It’s not the first blunder Kate suffered on Tuesday morning’s show. She was left red faced during the Good Morning Britain two-way as she had spilt her cup of tea all over the table. As she was due to talk about what was coming up on the show, the star apologised to Lorraine for “ruining her studio” as she was seen cleaning up the tea.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.

In this Friday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from a shocking plane crash to all the latest on the Strictly 2025 pro line-up.

The full line-up for Strictly’s tour has been unveiled, leaving some fans disheartened by the absence of two major stars(Image: PA)

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we’ll be pulling together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Friday we’re featuring everything from Rishi Sunak bestowing gongs on his cronies to a shocking plane crash.

The plane slammed into the side of a highway in Florida, sparking a massive fireball that shook nearby buildings. Three people are feared dead. We’ve also got the very latest on a terrifying virus which has closed Europe borders amid fears it may be a ‘biological attack’.

Meanwhile, our Showbiz team have been delving into the new Strictly 2025 pro line-up, as well as catching up with new dad Mark Wright, who’s been busy gushing over his daughter.One witness across the road from the site of the collision said his building shook from the force of the impact, adding “unfortunately I’m certain lives were lost here today”. Footage from the scene shows palm trees lining the side of a highway on fire as sirens blare in the backround. At least three people are believed to have died in the crash, which happened near the glades overpass shortly after 10am local time, The Sun Sentinel reports.

This Friday, our Showbiz team have been foxtrotting their way through Strictly Come Dancing’s 2025 professional dancer line-up – where no one has been axed despite months of speculation!

However, it has also been confirmed that Giovanni Pernice won’t be returning, despite his hope that he would be back on the show after winning the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle, last year. His comeback would have likely been supported by the likes of judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke, who have remained close to the Italian dancer.

Fan favourite Giovanni sensationally quit after his celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington made a string of allegations regarding his “abusive” behaviour, with the Italian dancer later cleared after a BBC investigation.

Terrifying virus closes Europe borders with fears it may be a ‘biological attack’

A virus is sweeping through Europe today, forcing the closure of borders, with fears it could have been launched in a “biological attack”. Livestock are being slaughtered by the thousands after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary – the first in more than 50 years.

In response, neighbouring Austria and Slovakia have closed dozens of their border crossings to the landlocked country, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. A Hungarian spokesperson said the disease, which was first detected on a cattle farm near the northwest border, may have been “artificially engineered”.

Rishi Sunak gives gongs to Gove, Hunt and Cleverly – see full honours list

Our Politics team have been taking a look at top Tories Michael Gove, Jeremy Hunt and James Cleverly being awarded gongs after Rishi Sunak’s controversial resignation honours list was finally published.

Mr Gove has been handed a peerage, and will soon sit in the House of Lords, while Mr Hunt and Mr Cleverly have been awarded knighthoods. Former Tory cabinet members Grant Shapps, Mel Stride and Andrew Mitchell were also made Sirs, while there were a string of honours for members of Mr Sunak’s No10 team.

The defeated Prime Minister’s handing awards to his close allies immediately sparked accusations of “shameless cronyism”. In a surprise move, cricket-mad Mr Sunak also awarded a knighthood to former England fast bowler James Anderson. There was also a gong for fimmaker Matthew Vaughn, whose credits include producing Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Mark Wright gushes over daughter and shares advice from Ed Sheeran

Finally, Mark Wright has shed light on his fatherhood. The telly star who found fame on The Only Way Is Essex became a first time dad last month, with him and his wife, former Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan revealing she’d given birth. In a joint social media post, the couple shared a sweet black and white snap of their daughter.

Captioning their post, they said: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl. Palma Elizabeth Wright. 06.03.25.” During an appearance on ITV’s This Morning with his mate Olly Murs, Mark gushed over his daughter and revealed he’s getting parenting tips from his famous pals. Mark told hosts Sian Welby and Dermot O’Leary: “The best thing for me, he’s 11 months in front of me.

“I just have to ask him questions and he warns me about what’s next.” Mark added: “She’s absolutely amazing, she’s so good, she’s only five weeks old. We get to 11pm and she won’t wake up til 5.” Mark revealed that Ed Sheeran offered him advice, admitting: “It gets easier.”

Meghan Markle took to Instagram to share a sweet message sent to her from the Deputy Ukrainian Prime Minister following Prince Harry’s trip to the nation – but one part of it caught the eye of many people

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle raised eyebrows by sharing a message featuring a royal title that was no longer in use to her. The Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram to share a message that was sent to her by Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister. It comes after Prince Harry made a secret visit to the war-torn country last week to visit injured veterans.

As a token of thanks, he was given a basket of Easter bread to take back home to Meghan and their children. In a sweet Instagram update at the weekend, Meghan posted a story showing Princess Lilibet cutting the bread and sharing it with the family for breakfast.

‌

Meghan shared a message on her Instagram story

The video caught the eye of Ms Svyrydenko, who wrote Meghan a message of thanks on X for her family’s support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion, which the Duchess later shared on Instagram.

The politician started the message: “Your Royal Highness.” When Harry and Meghan stepped back as working royals in 2020, it was agreed they would no longer use their HRH titles. And even though the Ukrainian politician might not have been aware of the situation using the title, some have questioned why Meghan has shared the message given she is no longer using her HRH title.

A source close to the King told the Daily Beast: “The deal with the HRH was a way to stop them cashing in while letting them walk away with pride and dignity and trust, and now Markle is using her HRH on a website which seems to exist to sell jam.”

It comes after Harry visited the Superhumans Centre in Lviv – an orthopaedic clinic and rehabilitation centre for adults and children affected by the war in Ukraine, last Thursday after a trip to the UK. The organisation provides specialist prosthetics, mental health support and physiotherapy to injured veterans and civilians free of charge.

Prince Harry in Ukraine last week (Image: AP)

During the visit, the Duke toured the centre and met patients and medical professionals to learn about the services provided there. He was joined by people from the Invictus Games Foundation on Thursday’s visit, including four veterans who have had similar experiences to the civilians and ex-service personnel being rehabilitated at the Superhumans Centre.

Meanwhile, Meghan has continued to post on her Instagram account today, sharing two stories about her collecting fruit, flowers, and eggs from her garden in a basket. She also shows a pretty orange flower in bloom with the words: “That means it is almost Easter.”

To mark the upcoming holiday weekend, she also shared Easter-related products on her ShopMy account. The account allows Meghan to post about products, clothes, or accessories she has worn or recommended. If people click through to buy the items, Meghan may make a commission on any sales.

As part of her new Easter edit, items shared include children’s toys, including a kids’ gardening set that’s £19, an Easter bunny-themed box with mini eggs for £15 and a £15 Lego bunny.

She also shared children’s clothing, including a boy’s smart jacket and trousers from J Crew, which cost a total of £200, and a girls’ floral dress from Trotters for £58.

The Princess of Wales joined Chief Scout Dwayne Fields as well as Scouts from Cumbria and Manchester for a trip to the Lake District, where she opened up about finding peace amid a “very busy world”

The Princess of Wales has opened up about her ‘spiritual’ and “very emotional” connection with nature and why it brings her peace in a “very busy world”.

Kate has appeared in a brand new video as part of her role as joint president of the Scouts that shows her joining a group of Scouts and Chief Scout Dwayne Fields on a trip to the Lake District.

Filmed last month, the footage sees the princess walking on the shores of Lake Windermere and spending time with Scouts aged 10 to 15 from groups in Cumbria and Greater Manchester as they undertake a challenge to earn their Naturalist Badge.

In one part of the video, Kate, who wears hiking boots and a bakerboy hat walks among the beautiful scenery with the Chief Scout discussing the importance of the natural world. And she gives a deeply personal insight into what nature means to her, admitting: “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection I suppose, these environments.

The Princess of Wales in a brand new video on a trip to the Lake District with Scouts

“Not everyone has that same relationship perhaps with nature, but it is so therefore meaningful for me as a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world.”

Kate, who is in remission from cancer, has long advocated the benefits of spending time in the natural world, previously revealing how nature became her family’s ‘sanctuary’ in the wake of her diagnosis and during her chemotherapy treatment.

The princess and Mr Fields also discuss the impact being in nature can have on young people in building their confidence and skills for later life. He tells Kate: “I think it’s really important for young people to have access to nature because it’s a space where they can push themselves, they can challenge themselves, they learn leadership skills, spend time making friends and those life-long really great memories that we all hold onto.

Kate with Chief Scout Dwayne Fields

“And I think if we can do that, we’ll build up a generation who is passionate about our natural spaces and passionate about protecting them as well.”

The Princess, in a knitted roll neck jumper, jacket, matching trousers, and walking boots, is then seen in the video joining Scouts on a walk before crouching down and helping them plot their routes around Windermere with maps, telling them: “It’s so beautiful because so many of the walks here you can see Lake Windermere because it is huge isn’t it?” She also asks them: “Look how hilly it is in here. Have you done any of these big mountains?”

She was also photographed standing and laughing with the Scouts while they sat eating ice-creams at a picnic table at the edge of the lake.

Kate has been joint president of the Scouts since 2020, and experiencing well-being in nature is said to be a cause very close to the princess’s heart. She explains: “What’s so fantastic about the Scouts is that the same foundations that have always been there and still despite how different the modern day world is now, actually it still resonates with so many young people – and it is making such a massive difference to them.”

Kate helps the Scouts plot a walking route around Windermere

Mr Fields adds: “When you come out into a natural environment, it helps you understand your self that much more. “We really belong in nature. We’re in tune with it and I think we need to come back to it because there is definitely something about being in nature that’s connected to our wellbeing.”

The video marks the first time that Kate has met the new Chief Scout since his appointment. Born in Jamaica, Mr Fields came to the UK at the age of six. He grew up in inner city London without access to nature and said the Scouts made a “huge difference” to his life.

He said: “In an increasingly complex world digital technology has its place, but the few hours we spent in the hills without screens was magical: we are often at our best in the outdoors, and I want more young people to experience outdoor adventures like this for themselves.

“Outdoor adventures can build the vital skills young people need for the rest of their lives, they hugely benefit health and wellbeing, and boost friendships. And with the help of more adult volunteers, we hope to get more young people out into nature in the future.” Kensington Palace said Kate’s visit to the Lake District, which was not announced at the time, took place in March.

Kate has been joint president of the Scouts since 2020

Just several weeks ago, Kate also opened up about nature being her family’s “sanctuary” over the past year in a message to mark Mother’s Day. The princess, who was diagnosed with cancer last March, posted the message alongside a short video that included scenes of some of the UK’s most striking natural environments, from woodlands and fields to beaches and the ocean.

In the accompanying message, signed ‘C’, Kate wrote: “Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary. This Mother’s Day, let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognise how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life.”

The Princess underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy after her cancer diagnosis and announced in September that she had completed her treatment.

Katy Perry has blasted off into space today as part of a historic all-female Blue Origin mission – the first of its kind in over 60 years

Pop star Katy Perry and five other women have blasted into space aboard Jeff Bezos’ space tourism rocket. The Teenage Dream singer, 40, has set off on the 11-minute flight with author Lauren Sanchez, 55, TV host Gayle King, 70, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, 33, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, 38, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, 57.

The New Shepard rocket lifted off from its West Texas launch site as the launch window opened at 08:30 local time (14:30 BST). The flight will last 11 minutes and take the crew more than 100km above Earth – technically entering space as the capsule crosses the Karman line, the boundary of space.

Katy’s once-in-a-lifetime trip is the first all-female crew since Russian engineer Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963. Katy and her four fellow passengers will experience about four minutes of weightlessness and will have time to float around and take in the views of Earth from the large windows before the capsule descends back to Earth using three parachutes.

Katy Perry has blasted off into space
Before her life-changing trip to space, the Roar hitmaker managed to squeeze in some last-minute astronaut training in Texas on Sunday, as revealed by photos shared online by BlueOrigin. Katy also posted her own pictures, promising to put “the ‘ass’ in astronaut” ahead of her exciting trip in a post that also featured Ms Sanchez.

The pair were seen sporting blue jumpsuits, which were specially designed by Ms Sanchez for the mission.

Katie and her fellow rocket pals were excited as they entered the vehicle ( 
Image:
Blue Origin)
Given that Katy is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 115 billion streams, she is more than excited to add to her many accolades by becoming one of the few women who have been to space. As of today, 100 women have officially flown to space – with Katy, Lauren, Gayle, Amanda, and Aisha making up the last five.

It comes as Ms Sanchez said in a video post that she hopes the mission will inspire people to “dream big”. “If someone would have told me that I would be able to go to space one day, I would have definitely, well, I don’t know, laughed”, she said.

Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian were there to watch the five women blast off ( 
Image:
INSTAGRAM)“I can’t believe it’s happening. My dad used to teach people how to fly, and I used to hang around the hanger and I thought dreaming of becoming a pilot was a huge deal, and this is even bigger.

“The incredible women that are going on this flight are extraordinary in all of their fields, but more importantly, they’re incredible storytellers. So what I’m hoping for is, this flight is not just transformative for them, but also for all of the people that they tell their story to. Hopefully it sparks that imagination to a dream big and reach for the stars.”

Blue Origin has flown tourists on short hops to space since 2021. Some passengers have been given free rides, while others have paid a hefty sum to experience weightlessness. Mr Bezos, 61, climbed aboard with his brother for the inaugural flight.

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Actor Colson Smith will be leaving Coronation Street this summer and show fans have been left guessing over his next career move following 14 years on the ITV soap

Colson Smith shared snaps of his latest venture over the weekend(Image: Getty Images)

Corrie star Colson Smith teased a career move after spending his weekend delivering baby lambs.

The actor, whose exit from Coronation Street was announced earlier this year, will bow out in the months ahead. He is leaving the Cobbles after 14 years – and he will be involved in a dramatic departure, it has been claimed. Colson was just 11 when he joined the show and he is now planning for the future.

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He was pictured in a barn, surrounded by sheep and lambs yesterday, with sister Hannah a vet. Uploading the cute shot to Instagram, he wrote: “Spent my Sunday delivering lambs. Midwife mode: activated.” The former Celebrity Big Brother star is taking some time to consider his next step.

The actor, who lost a staggering 10 stone during and after lockdown, insisted he felt nothing but positive about the future. “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street,” he said. “I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy.

He spent his Sunday in a barn and got fans talking! (Image: colsonjsmith/Instagram)

“For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.” And showing he has no bitterness towards the soap’s new boss Kate Brooks, he added: “Long live the cobbles!” Fans must wait to find out how he goes – but there’s suggestions it could be explosive.

A source told The Sun: “Craig has grown up on the street, and he’s become part of it, so it was a tough decision to make but one that will be worth it. PC Tinker will meet his maker in heroic circumstances this summer, and there won’t be a dry eye in the house when it goes out. Colson is taking it well, and there’s a real feeling that this chapter is closing for him, and there are bigger and brighter things ahead.”

The actor is the latest of many to leave the soap in recent months. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out. Christmas saw the departure of Helen Worth, who decided to quit the cobbles after 50 years of playing Gail Platt. And this weekend it emerged that Sue Cleaver, who has played Eileen Grimshaw for the past 25 years, is also on her way out.

Colson was just 11 when he joined the programme struggled with unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. He told the Mirror in 2021 that moving to Manchester aged 17 had made things worse, explaining: “When everyone else was at uni, I’m sat on bloody Deliveroo every night. So I kind of had got myself into a really unhealthy position where food was a self-harm to me. It was my comfort and I didn’t realise how much damage I was doing to myself with it.”

EastEnders star, Jamie Borthwick, has reportedly been dumped by his girlfriend, Chloe, with a source claiming the award-winning actor ‘acts like a boy in a man’s body’

Jamie Borthwick’s love life has more drama than an episode of EastEnders

Jamie Borthwick’s love life has more drama than an episode of EastEnders. The Jay Brown star, 30, has recently found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons amid reports he’s been dumped by his girlfriend, Chloe.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, who a source claimed “acts like a boy in a man’s body”, is said to have annoyed his now ex after bragging about a sex toy Welsh GoCompare star, Wynne Evans, sent him while he was on tour with the BBC dance show. However, in more drama, Jay is rumoured to be romancing Strictly co-star, Jowita Przystal, who he was papped looking very cosy with last week. So, as we wait for the actor to lift the lid on exactly what’s going on behind the scenes, here’s an inside look at his bitter breakup with his girlfriend – as well as those Jowita rumours…

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Jamie Borthwick has reportedly been dumped by his girlfriend for not spending enough time with her during the Strictly tour(Image: PA)

Jamie Borthwick dumped by girlfriend because he ‘wasn’t spending enough time with her’

Jamie has reportedly been dumped by his girlfriend, Chloe, who he was in a relationship with during Strictly last year.

Despite supporting the EastEnders star, who almost made it to the final of the star-studded show, Chloe is now said to have called it a day.

Opening up about the pressures of the show as well as Jamie’s commitment to its UK tour, a source told The Sun: “Strictly was a whirlwind for Jamie and they managed to keep it going when he was on the show. But Chloe dumped Jamie when he finished the Strictly tour. She said she felt like Jamie didn’t have time for her.”

Strictly sex toy shame

In another own goal for scandal-struck Strictly, footage emerged showing Jamie waving around a sex toy that had been sent to him by Go Compare opera singer Wynne, 53.

The awkward exchange escalated after it was claimed that the footage was shared within a messaging group that included other Strictly stars – who it is suggested did not expect nor want to be included in an conversation that had a sexual connotation.

In another own goal for scandal-struck Strictly, footage reportedly emerged showing Jamie waving around a sex toy that had been sent to him Wynne Evans(Image: PA)

As many of the Strictly gang are considered family friendly and with squeaky clean images, there are fears that they could be tarnished due to Jamie and Wynne’s alleged behaviour.

Claiming Jay’s ex, Chloe, was mortified by the behaviour, a source said: “Seeing the video of him with the sex toy and acting so weirdly made her realise it was the right choice. Jamie acts like a boy in a man’s body. She doesn’t have time for that.”

Jowita rumours

Strictly stars, Jamie and Jowita looked extremely loved- up when they were papped in London earlier this month. The EastEnders actor and professional dancer, 30, were rumoured to be dating after meeting on the BBC dance show’s Christmas special two years ago.

Seen in the capital outside the Adelphi Theatre where they’d arrived to see Strictly stars, Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu, in their production of Reborn, the pair had smiles a mile wide as they hugged in the April sunshine.

Jamie was rumoured to be romancing his Strictly co-star, Jowita(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Jay and Jowita met on Strictly in 2023, when the Jay Brown star was crowned the winner with Nanxy Xu. Despite being partnered with other stars, feelings backstage are soon said to have started brewing before the pair allegedly formed a secret romance.

Almost two years after meeting, the pair have continued to grow close on the Strictly tour across the UK.

Sources claimed that the pair grew close while filming the BBC One dancing competition and Jowita instantly saw a spark with the Jay Brown actor. “Things did get romantic between them, Jowita loves Jamie’s playfulness and sense of humour, not to mention he’s a very talented dancer,” a source said.

They went on to tell the MailOnline: “So many rumours were circulating about Jowita and Pete that her relationship with Jamie went under the radar, which was something they laughed about. They’re still enjoying each other’s company as they perform on the Strictly tour, with the cast believing their romance could well lead to something long-term.”

Meanwhile, Jowita’s recent ormer Strictly partner, Pete Wicks addressed their closeness on his Staying Relevant podcast.

“If you couldn’t dance with me, who would you like to dance with? I know the answer to this… 100 per cent, Jamie.” Jowita revealed Jamie would “probably” have been her choice, having met him prior to the recent series, coyly adding that the pair “get on very well.”

The Mirror has contacted Jamie and Jowita’s reps for comment.

Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page, who previously spoke on Loose Women about her decision to have her fallopian tubes cut, has admitted to still feeling “very maternal”

Joanna Page has candidly discussed the possibility of expanding her family with her husband, despite previously having her “tubes tied”.

In a recent issue of Woman and Home magazine, the Gavin and Stacey actress and mother-of-four revealed that she’d had discussions with her husband, actor James Thornton, about potentially having more children.

Joanna previously told the Loose Women panel about her decision to have her fallopian tubes cut in her mid-forties, and reportedly considered reversing the procedure. She confessed to still feeling “very maternal”, but disclosed that a health check this year led to a moment that “felt huge”.

Joanna stated: “I’ve been thinking about fostering or adopting. It’s something I’ve chatted about with James because I’m still very maternal, and it’s something that I would think about in the future.”

Joanna Page admitted to still being “very maternal” ( 
Image:
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)

“I don’t regret having my tubes tied, and although I felt broody at the start of the year, I don’t any more. At the beginning of this year, I did a health check, which involved a scan that showed that my right ovary had packed up.

“There wasn’t anything left, no eggs. That moment felt huge, as if my body was saying, ‘That is it’.”

She further revealed that she was prescribed HRT patches after visiting a menopause doctor, but was hesitant to use them as she believed that it meant she wouldn’t have any more kids.

However, she admitted: “I was very down, very depressed. I could cope with flushes, they weren’t bothering me. It was just my mood”.

Speaking previously on Loose Women, Joanna revealed she had been feeling “broody”, but, afterwards, didn’t give it much thought. She then realised that having another pregnancy would be impossible, admitting it would leave her “utterly exhausted”.

Joanna revealed that a health check this year led to a moment that “felt huge”
The Love Actually star continued: “But not that long ago, I went on the internet, I looked up: ‘Can you have your tubes put back together?’ You can. One-in-200 women can maybe get pregnant after doing that. I told James, he just looked at me and went: ‘You what? What on earth are you going on about?’ So I will not be having anymore. I’ve got my beautiful four children.”

As a mother of four young kids, Eva, Kit, Noah, and Boe, Joanna has reportedly decided to scale back her acting work and take on presenting roles to spend more time with her family. She previously joked about nearly divorcing her husband after the Covid lockdown affected their sex life, with the couple struggling to find time for each other while caring for their kids during the school closures.

Joanna shared that they argued and threatened to divorce throughout lockdown, even going a month without speaking to each other.

Paddy McGuinness has replaced Gregg Wallace as a co-host on Inside the Factory, with him having worked alongside the likes of Cherry Healey on the BBC show’s new series

Presenter Paddy McGuinness has addressed speculation over romance rumours with his colleague Cherry Healey after having worked together on a show.

It was announced in the summer of 2023 that Paddy, now 51, would replace Gregg Wallace on Inside the Factory. He’s since filmed the new series alongside co-host Cherry, 44, who has been on the BBC show since it launched in 2015.

Paddy made his debut in a Christmas special that aired last month, ahead of the ninth series launching on Tuesday. He reminded of the show’s return later this week in a message to his followers on Instagram over the weekend.

The post included several photos of Paddy and co-star Cherry – who present Inside the Factory alongside historian Ruth Goodman – together. The pair were seen beside each other in selfies, as well as in a photo of them at a restaurant.

Alongside the photos, Paddy wrote about his colleagues in the accompanying caption of the post. He told his followers last week: “The whole crew on Inside The Factory have been a joy to work with. A small but perfectly formed team.”

He continued: “Also I’d never met @cherryhealey before but we hit it off straight away. Absolutely love working with her, she’s an absolute diamond!” Paddy concluded: “The new series starts Tuesday 7th on BBC1 & @bbciplayer.”

Paddy McGuinness (left) has shut down speculation that he’s begun a romance with his Inside the Factory co-star Cherry Healey (right) ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @mcguinness.paddy)
The post was met with speculation about a potential romance between the colleagues. One person reacted: “Is this a soft launch of the new Mrs?” Another asked: “Ooh I’m liking this. New lady, Paddy? You look cute together.”

Paddy however has since addressed the rumours, which he shut down when responding to a fan who asked: “Is this your new love? If so all the very best (you look very comfortable together).” Paddy replied: “Not at all. She’s just a great person.”

Former Top Gear presenter Paddy was once in a long-term relationship with Christine McGuinness. The pair, who share three children, announced the end of their 11-year marriage in a joint statement released back in July 2022.

They said at the time: “We’re moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children. We’ll always be a loving family, we still have a great relationship and still live happily in our family home together.”

His colleague Cherry was once married to Rory Allen, with whom she shares her two children, but the former couple split up in 2016. She later began a relationship with Justin Mountstephens and they are thought to still be together, having celebrated her birthday together last month.