The heat is rising inside the Celebrity Big Brother house as Hollywood star Mickey Rourke, former Conservative MP Sir Michael Fabricant, and Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd face eviction in the latest public vote.
In a tense episode aired on Thursday night, housemates cast their nominations with Shepherd and Rourke receiving the highest number. Shepherd, best known for his role as David Platt in Coronation Street, received a total of eight nominations, while Rourke was close behind with seven — one of which was a decisive “killer nomination” from American pop star JoJo Siwa.
The nomination follows an earlier controversy in which Rourke, 72, received a formal warning from Big Brother for making what were deemed “homophobic” comments. The Wrestler actor had told fellow housemates he would “vote the lesbian out real quick”, in reference to Siwa, prompting widespread criticism. Rourke later issued an apology to the singer and reality TV personality.
Meanwhile, Sir Michael Fabricant, 74, found himself on the chopping block alongside the two actors. Speaking to housemates after the nominations were revealed, he admitted:
“I’m quite enjoying this… I’ll be quite sad (to go). I’m up against a Hollywood star and then a Corrie star. I don’t fancy my chances for remaining.”
The former MP for Lichfield, who lost his seat in the last general election, added poignantly:
“That’s why I’m so upset because everyone seems so nice. Actually, I feel more upset about this than losing the general election.”
Fabricant’s appearance on the show has been marked by mixed reactions from viewers and fellow contestants alike. When first introduced to the house, he was met with boos from the studio audience — a sign of his divisive political past.
Adding to the drama, Love Island alumnus Chris Hughes secured immunity during a launch night challenge, while Olympic legend Daley Thompson was granted immunity by Rourke himself. As a result, both men were exempt from this round of nominations.
Rourke’s own nominations included Fabricant, citing distrust in politics:
“He’s involved with politics, which I don’t find very truthful and honest.”
He also named former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, apparently unimpressed with her culinary contributions in the house.
In turn, Sir Michael chose to nominate Palmer as well, taking issue with a personal remark:
“She asked me something about ‘why do I wear a wig?’ And I’m not saying it is a wig, actually. But what I am saying is that I found it slightly awkward being asked about it.”
His infamous mop of blond hair has long been a subject of public speculation, previously making headlines during his appearance on Celebrity First Dates in 2017. Fabricant quipped:
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“My hair has become a bit of a hot topic with some people. I think it’s because they wonder whether it’s my own. Well, it is my own. I can show you the receipts — they cost a fortune!”
He jokingly added:
“I think the most annoying thing in the Big Brother house is probably going to be me.”
Despite the heated nominations, some moments of camaraderie emerged. Shepherd, clearly surprised to be up for eviction, offered comfort to Fabricant following the announcement, showing a softer side to the competitive atmosphere.
As Friday night’s live eviction looms, viewers are eagerly awaiting who the public will choose to save — and who will be the first celebrity shown the door.
Celebrity Big Brother: Live Eviction airs Friday at 9pm on ITV1.
