Celebrity Big Brother host AJ Odudu’s interaction with housemate Mickey Rourke has attracted yet more attention on companion show Late & Live following the launch episode

Presenter AJ Odudu was met with concern from a celebrity guest and an audience member on Celebrity Big Brother‘s companion show tonight. It comes following an interaction she had with housemate Mickey Rourke during the launch.

AJ, 37, and co-host Will Best, 40, spoke to the housemates taking part in the new series of the ITV show during the live launch last night. The pair greeted each of the celebrities moments before they entered the Big Brother house. Actor Mickey, 72, was the last housemate to join them on stage.

After being introduced to AJ on the stage outside the house, Mickey seemed to get quite close to her and appeared to stare at her. She told him at one point: “Stop looking at me!” He later seemed to tease that he wanted to stay with AJ rather than join the other housemates. His behaviour attracted criticism from some viewers at the time.

AJ spoke about the incident shortly afterwards and it was brought up again on companion show Late & Live tonight. It was first referenced by comedian Eddie Kadi, 41, who was among the latest celebrity panelists on the ITV2 show.

Asked who he was “loving” on Celebrity Big Brother after tonight’s episode, Eddie said: “I’m not gonna lie to you AJ, this might trigger you a little bit, I am loving Mickey. I am.” He added: “I was worried last night, AJ. I was worried. Mickey was looking at you like ‘forget Big Brother, I want Big Sister’.”

Eddie went on to share his thoughts on Mickey, including referencing a scene in which the actor spoke to fellow housemate Trisha Goddard. He told AJ on Late & Live this evening: “But y’know what, he’s just opening up. And I think thanks to Trisha as well, the convo they had, he’s opening up a bit more and I’m seeing a guy with a good heart, man.”

Later in the same episode, one audience member asked AJ if she was okay following her interaction with Mickey – known for his roles in films like the Wrestler (2008). It came whilst the host was interacting with fans in the studio.

Whilst the microphone was pointed at them, the audience member asked the presenter on the companion show: “Are you okay from last night?” AJ replied: “I’m absolutely tip-top.” She then expressed gratitude, saying: “Thanks for asking.”

The audience member went on to suggest: “He showed his softer side when he’s talking to Trisha though. He’s been talking to Trisha and he’s shown a slightly different side to him. I think he’s gonna start to come out a little bit more.” AJ responded to the comment, with her saying: “Okay, I like that.”

Another member of the studio audience on Late & Live had suggested similarly moments earlier. They had said that they aren’t sure what Mickey is “going to do next” on the show and that fans might not always agree with him.

Sharing their thoughts, they said: “He might do some things that we might not agree with on night one – hopefully we see progression by the final if he’s lucky enough to make it that far.” AJ responded: “We wanna see progress not perfection! I like it!”

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

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