Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has defended Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke following his controversial exit from Celebrity Big Brother.
Jordan claims the world has “gone soft” after Rourke was removed from the ITV reality show for using inappropriate language.
Speaking about the current series, the 47-year-old former CBB contestant suggested viewers have become overly sensitive compared to when he appeared on the programme in 2014.
“The world has changed. Everyone’s a lot more sensitive now,” Jordan said during an interview with the Daily Record.
He added: “Everyone is trying to be offended by everything. Or they’ve just gone soft.”
Rourke, 72, reportedly generated over 1,000 Ofcom complaints during his stint on the show before being asked to leave.
Jordan believes the actor’s behaviour would have been tolerated during his own time in the Big Brother house.
A representative for ITV explained Rourke’s departure at the time, stating: “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.”
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The Hollywood star had received multiple warnings before his eventual removal from the show.
Jordan compared Rourke’s situation to his own experience with actor Gary Busey during his 2014 appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
“I had a similar situation during my time on the show in 2014 with Gary Busey,” he said.
“I tried to call him out on things but have an honest conversation and help him at times. I don’t think he quite understood that it was a game show where he’d be filmed 24/7.”
Jordan insisted that “if Mickey Rourke was in the house in my first year, he wouldn’t have been evicted.”
The former Strictly star was particularly critical of the current crop of Celebrity Big Brother contestants, suggesting they lack the resilience of previous years.
“They’re all very sensitive and get easily offended,” Jordan told the publication.
He believes many contestants are simply trying to present themselves in a way they think will appeal to viewers.
“A lot of them are just trying to be what they think the public wants them to be,” he explained.
Jordan specifically called out one housemate he suspects of strategic gameplay.
“I think Chris is playing a game and he’s smart. He knows what he’s doing and is attaching himself to certain people,” he said.
The dancer reflected that during his time on the show, producers “cast for controversy” and “wanted drama to happen.”
He went on to admit: “And I loved it. It made for great TV.”
Jordan also expressed concern that the reality show has lost its edge due to heightened sensitivities.
“I think everyone is scared to say or do anything that will be taken the wrong way. We’re all scared of offending each other,” he said.
