Tensions flared in the Celebrity Big Brother house on Monday night as The Only Way Is Essex star Ella Rae Wise accused singer Chesney Hawkes of failing to support her during an uncomfortable encounter with Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke.
Wise, 24, nominated Hawkes, 53, for eviction, citing his lack of intervention when Rourke used what she described as “sexual language” in her presence. The 72-year-old actor voluntarily left the Big Brother house earlier this month after his behaviour towards Wise and fellow contestant Chris Hughes was widely condemned.
During the face-to-face nominations, Wise told Hawkes: “My first nomination is Chesney, just because when a certain someone was here that didn’t make me feel comfortable, I feel like when certain jokes were made you was in the same area, and as a man, you should have stood and said ‘that’s not okay’.
“And then after, you did say to me that you’re sorry, that you didn’t feel as if you stood up for me as you should, but then still continue to faff about… and talk about Mickey every day.”
The remarks visibly upset Hawkes, who responded with an apology: “I’m sorry you feel that way. I’m sorry I did that.” Later, in private conversation with housemates, the One and Only singer described Wise’s comments as “a little bit harsh” and admitted he was hurt by the accusation.
The episode saw the pair attempt to clear the air, with Wise offering an olive branch: “I just felt some, maybe just a little bit of protection would have been nice.” Hawkes replied: “I’m sorry that you felt uncomfortable at all ever in this house. It absolutely would kill me to think that you thought that I would not be a man and stand up to that. I’m so sorry that you felt that way. I really am, and I’m sorry that you had to go through that with him.”
Rourke’s controversial stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house prompted over 1,000 complaints to Ofcom, particularly concerning “homophobic” and “unacceptable” language directed at US singer and Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa, 21. His behaviour was also branded “aggressive” and “threatening” towards Love Island contestant Chris Hughes.
Elsewhere in the episode, Hughes, 32, opened up in the diary room about the pressure he felt over his close friendship with Siwa. “People have made me feel like I can’t have a friendship with JoJo,” he said. “Or feel like I have to justify a friendship with JoJo – because we get on and we have fun. I’m actually really sad.”
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During the evening’s nominations – which were given in the form of Easter eggs placed in baskets – five housemates were put up for eviction: Wise, Hughes, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, TV presenter Angelica Bell, and EastEnders icon Patsy Palmer.
Siwa narrowly avoided eviction after drawing a golden Easter egg, allowing her to nominate Beard in her place. Beard and Coronation Street actor Jack Shepherd had previously nominated her.
Wise received the most nominations, with five housemates – Hawkes, Hughes, Siwa, Palmer, and Shepherd – citing her lack of participation in tasks and household duties.
Shepherd was blunt in his reasoning: “Whenever we get tasks, sometimes, if you’re not feeling up to it, your head can fall off of it, and you can throw your toys out the pram and not want to do it. And I feel like you don’t wash up as much as everybody else or clean.”
Hughes was nominated by Wise and Beard, while Bell was named by Shepherd, Palmer, and comedian Donna Preston. Palmer, meanwhile, received votes from Hawkes, Bell, and Siwa.
Celebrity Big Brother continues Tuesday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
