Celebrity Big Brother fans demand return after Mickey Rourke forced to leave house

Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother house due to instances of using inappropriate language and unacceptable behaviour. Despite being spared from eviction on Friday (April 11), it was Michael Fabricant who faced the chop, as audiences voted him out.

A representative for the ITV reality show stated: "Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour."

Rourke's departure was a result of his actions and words towards Love Island's Chris Hughes during a task-related disagreement, which was deemed threatening and aggressive, although it did not escalate to physical violence.

His conduct had previously come into question after he received a warning over homophobic remarks directed at Jojo Siwa and caught flak for his behaviour towards host AJ Odudu during the season premiere.

Rourke's unexpected exit on Saturday caused fans of Big Brother to clamour for Michael Fabricant's return just a day after his exit, which left him expressing sadness over having to depart from what he described as close-knit companionship in the house.

The ousted 74-year-old ex-MP shared with hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best his regret at leaving, saying: "I'm very sad to be leaving all my friends", reports OK!.

Fabricant also reflected fondly on his time with the fellow contestants, remarking: "I'm sad because... we've all become such close friends! I love everyone there! We really bonded, they were great people, they were kind."

When probed about the seven nominations he garnered from his fellow housemates, he shared: "We all found it very difficult to come up with any sensible reason to nominate anyone."

Fervent calls for his comeback flooded social media platform X, where one supporter demanded Michael's re-entry, pleading, "Petition to bring back Michael Fabricant."

Another viewer made their stance clear, insisting: "#itv CBB ITV need to bring back Michael Fabricant. He loved being in the house and was such a well-behaved housemate. BRING HIM HOME."

The urgency intensified as a third fan declared: "Bring Back Michael Fabricant Now. You Bunch of Saddos."

Another passionate follower proclaimed: "BRING BACK OUR WIG ICON MICHAEL FABRICANT #CBBUK #CBB #CBBLive".

Celebrity Big Brother airs on ITV and ITVX