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

Mickey Rourke seen for the first time since leaving the Celebrity Big Brother. The 71-year-old American star was one of the biggest names to enter the reality show house earlier this month - joining a string of British stars in a bid to be crowned winner of the televised popularity contest.

But any good fortune was quickly extinguished as Mickey caused problems from the moment he appeared on the launch episode at the beginning of last week. The actor sparked a string of complaints after he leered at show host AJ Odudu - and things went downhill from there.

Following arguments, confrontations and inappropriate behaviour, the star was ultimately axed from the line-up on Saturday - with dramatic scenes due to air on ITV on Sunday night. After his shock exit, Mickey was spotted in London looking dishevelled while stepping outside for coffee.

Dressed in a grey hooded top and simple blue jeans, the Iron Man 2 star was flanked by a burly close protection guard as he took in some sunshine and fresh air outside a London hotel. Wearing shades, the actor sat on the steps of a building and clutched a cup of coffee as he

His bodyguard was dressed in black and appeared to hold Mickey's attention as they engaged in conversation. Mickey looked downcast and low energy as he sat on the steps and rested a hand on the bannister.

His appearance came less than 24 hours after news emerged that he had been booted from the show. As the photos emerged of him in London on Sunday, a source told the Mirror: "Mickey has been laying low since his dramatic eviction."

After his controversial entrance to the Celebrity Big Brother house last week, Mickey seemed to antagonise his co-stars on purpose. Admitting he got a kick out of winding people up, the action star quickly rubbed his co-stars the wrong way.

Uncomfortable scenes showed him using homophobic slurs and antagonising singer JoJo Siwa, who is lesbian, over her sexuality. He was later reprimanded for using a gay slur and for making offensive comments about JoJo's sexual preferences.

He later left comedian Donna Preston rattled when he appeared to make a comment about her weight. And later still, he reduced EastEnders icon Patsy Palmer to tears when he criticised her cooking skills.

However, it was during a task that was set over the weekend that tensions reached a level that were deemed a step too far as Mickey clashed with Love Island star Chris Hughes. The contestants were taking part in a pirate themed task when tempers boiled over.

JoJo was given the role of captain and is in charge of steering the ship. JoJo says at one point: "Ahoy. How have things been going out here?" Trisha Goddard responds: "There is a rat amongst us, Captain."

JoJo says: "Step back in line, soldier." It's been announced that Chris steps out of line and looks at Mickey, and that Mickey steps out of line and confronts Chris. JoJo says: "Mickey… Ahoy." Mickey says to Chris: "You looking at me?"

JoJo says to Mickey: "Ahoy. You're not the captain of this ship. Ahoy. Back up soldier." Mickey says to Chris: "Don't eyeball me." Chris responds: "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, the spoilers reveal. Danny says: "He was joking. He was joking. He was joking." Chris says: "F***ing stand there." Mickey says: "What did he say?" Danny says: "He was joking."

Danny and Daley Thompson are standing between Mickey and Chris trying to diffuse the situation. Chris says: "Mickey, it was a joke." Big Brother says: "This is Big Brother. Mickey, come to the diary room immediately." Mickey points to the ground and says: "No, your a** will be right there in a second." Big Brother says again, "Mickey, come to the diary room immediately." Mickey then heads to the Diary Room.

Mickey's removal was announced on Saturday - with a spokesperson for the show saying last night: "[Mickey] 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."

Mickey appeared to take responsibility for his actions, however, and expressed regret over his actions before his exit. After being told some of his lanaguage was offensive, he replied: "Yes sir. I did wrong. I apologise. I’m sorry."

He continued: "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."

The actor went on: "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."

He added: "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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