Celebrity Big Brother fans will be surprised to see a contestant from the 2024 series make a shock entrance into the house following the abrupt exit of Hollywood star Mickey Rourke

A former Celebrity Big Brother contestant has returned to the famous reality show house following the exit of Mickey Rourke. The 2025 season of the long-running show has proved controversial thanks to the 72-year-old Iron Man 2 actor.

He sparked fury before he even entered the house as he leered at host AJ Odudu during the launch show – an act that provoked complaints to Ofcom. He then sparked fury when he seemingly targeted housemates for a range of offensive reasons – from belittling singer JoJo Siwa over her sexuality, mocking Donna Preston over her weight, and harshly criticising EastEnders star Patsy Palmer over her cooking.

In scenes set to air on Sunday night, viewers will see the moment hat finally pushed producers to take action to remove the star – as he clashed with Love Island’s Chris Hughes in a pirate themed task. With the dust beginning to settle in the Big Brother house, a new entrant has ignited speculation a former contestant could be returning to take the place of the American actor.

Viewers will watch 2024 contestant Lauren Simon return to the house in a surprise moment that leaves the remaining housemates shocked and confused. At the end of the evening, following a drama-filled day, the housemates are shocked when the Real Housewives of Cheshire star suddenly appears in the hottub.

Dressed as a mesmerizing mermaid, the other cast members are shocked to see the star lounging in the bubbling water. However, it is not entirely clear why she had suddenly been dropped into the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Mickey’s exit will air tonight(Image: ITV)

There is now speculation that she could be replacing Mickey as the number of contestants has dropped unexpectedly less than a week into the recording of the show. Earlier in the week, the reality star reminisced on her time on the show.

Sharing snaps of herself in the Diary Room, she wrote on Instagram: “With the new series of Celebrity @bbuk on tonight I can’t help but reminisce about all the amazing memories from my (short) time in the show.” She added: “I remember how nervous I was before I went so I know how all the new contestants are feeling – wishing them all the luck.”

Sunday night’s highlights show will include the vicious argument between Chris and Mickey as well as Lauren’s unexpected arrival. Spoilers for the episode reveal that the Hollywood star’s departure came after a pirate themed task spiralled out of control.

Lauren’s return comes amid news of Mickey Rourke’s shock exit(Image: REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

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?”

Real Housewives star Lauren Simon is set to make a triumphant return to Celebrity Big Brother(Image: REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

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.”