Will Best praised for response to Mickey Rourke's 'wildly inappropriate' CBB entrance

made an explosive return to screens on Monday night (April 8) as 13 famous faces including Patsy Palmer, Jojo Siwa and Jack P Shephard were introduced as 2025 housemates.

Arguably the biggest talking point of the launch, however, involved actions on the outside of the house rather than in it, as final celebrity contestant, staggered his way towards presenters and .

Boxer turned actor Mickey - born Philip Andre Rourke Jr - made viewers feel uncomfortable as he appeared to briefly gyrate against AJ's behind before eyeing her up and down during his introduction to the crowd.

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Dressed in a figure-hugging jumpsuit, AJ attempted to professionally brush it off by smiling and telling the 72-year old to "stop looking at me!". But he proceeded to ask her to come with him as he delayed his entry by high-fiving numerous members of the live audience.

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The show closed with Will gripping AJ's hand and putting his arm around her, before the pair readied themselves in a quick turnaround time for spin-off, Late & Live.

After the event, AJ, 37 took to Instagram to declare: "And just like that we’re off, Celebrity 2025, tune in live on ITV." Writing in response, her followers were quick to slam Mickey and praise Will over his protection of his co-star.

"I’m writing this moments after you’re encounter with Micky Rourke and woah, that’s legendary as f***, you and Will Best handled it poifectly!" one person wrote.

A second viewer fumed: "I can’t deal with what Mickey Rourke did to you. It was wildly inappropriate and he should be removed... it was written all over your face how uncomfortable that made you feel. You handled it so well."

On X, meanwhile, a third person praised Will's actions: "Massive kudos to Will Best for jumping straight to AJ's defence there, protecting his female colleague from unwanted lascivious male attention from Mickey Rourke. Nice to see there's still gentlemen out there."

And a fourth added: "I LOVE the way Will Best was looking after AJ just there! Well done Will. He moved AJ from Mickey Rourke when he seemingly tried to touch her. Love their friendship."

Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight from 9pm on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player. It will be followed by companion show Late & Live on ITV2 and ITVX from 10pm.