Hollywood star Mickey Rourke has caused controversy ever since he stepped foot on Celebrity Big Brother as his staggering pay cheque has been revealed after formal warning
Mickey Rourke bagged a staggering fee for appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, despite throwing the show into chaos in a matter of days. He shocked viewers on Monday night when he made a very uncomfortable entrance into the ITV house.
The Hollywood actor appeared to grab onto host AJ Odudu, who told him: “Stop looking at me.” While in the house, Mickey has been hit with a formal warning from show bosses after making a vile homophobic remark to JoJo Siwa.
Many viewers branded his warning not strong enough and urged for him to be kicked off the show. JoJo was able to get her ultimate revenge, however, as she put Mickey up for eviction.
The first eviction of the series will take place on Friday, as Mickey’s fate now lands with the public. Unlike other shows, the Celebrity Big Brother take home very different salaries for their time in the house.
If Mickey were to be booted out on Friday, he may not be too bothered as he managed to secure an eye-watering fee for appearing. Despite insisting he’s never watched the show, Mickey agreed to appear for £500,000.
It was thought Mickey could bank close to £1m for his stint in the series, yet he will be taking home half of that according to the Sun. He is the highest paid star of the 2025 series, as a source told the publication: “Mickey is considered a loose cannon, and producers think he is worth getting their big cheque book out for.
“He is unpredictable, and they know lots of people will tune in to see if he cracks under the pressure.” In news that might be good for Mickey, celebrities are awarded their full agreed payment even if they are evicted.
However, they may not receive their impressive wages if they quit the show themselves. Mickey has been paid the same amount as X Factor icon Louis Walsh, who made it to the 2024 final.
He reportedly bagged a staggering £500,000 for his time on the ITV show, while Sharon Osbourne was said to have been paid a staggering £7,000 for every minute she appeared on screen. The former X Factor judge had originally demanded £100,000 per day to appear as a fully fledged housemate, according to reports, but show bosses were unable to match her request.
And as a compromise she lived in the house as a “lodger” for just nine days of the series. Sharon appeared on screen for a combined total of two hours and 13 minutes.
Former Dance Moms star JoJo was left in tears by Mickey’s comment towards her during Wednesday’s episode. In the shocking moment, Mickey asked JoJo: “Do you like girls or boys?” After revealing that her partner is non-binary, Mickey responded: “If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore.”
He later asked Chris Hughes if everyone has to vote one another out of the house. Mickey said: “I’m going to vote the lesbian out real quick.” JoJo, who overhears, tells him: “That’s homophobic, if that was your reasoning,” while Chris tells Mickey he can’t say that.
After asking JoJo where the smoking area is, Mickey exclaimed: “I need a fag.” He then gestures to JoJo and said: “I’m not talking to you.” The moment left JoJo in tears, while Chris comforted her. Shortly after the remark, Mickey was called to the Diary Room by Big Brother, and given a stern warning.
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