Reality TV star Mercy Eke has revealed that she regrets participating in Big Brother Naija despite the benefits the show brought her.

Eke shared her thoughts during an appearance on Toke Makinwa’s programme, Toke Moments, released on Saturday.

The entrepreneur won the fourth season of BBNaija in 2019 before returning for the All-Stars edition.

Speaking about life after the show, Eke said fame robbed her of peace and exposed her life to constant public scrutiny.

“I regret going to Big Brother, even though I love the benefits that come from it,” she said.

She explained that being in the public eye placed pressure on her to keep achieving, even when people outside the spotlight appeared to be doing better.

“I wish I didn’t go, because I have friends who… I know people who are like, okay, this person has passed me but nobody’s talking about them, because they are not out there. But me, I’m not doing anything, and I can’t even sleep at night,” she said.

Eke also admitted that the prize money influenced her decision to join the All Stars edition.

However, she said the level of competition surprised her because most of the contestants had already achieved financial success.

“I felt like all of us, we have money already, but a lot of people were not acting like they didn’t have money before. They were more hungry than me,” she said.

She added that she had no plans to return to the reality show for another season.

Speaking about her journey after BBNaija, Eke said ambition, discipline and inspiration from successful Nigerian women had helped her grow.

“I work hard, I challenge myself, I set goals for myself. A lot of that drives me to become a better version of myself, and then just keep moving, getting things done,” she said.

The reality star also dismissed claims that a married man finances her lifestyle.

She disclosed that she had been dating a single man for four years.

Eke, who recently earned a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, said her studies improved her understanding of business finance, particularly income, expenses and balance sheets.

“No knowledge is a waste,” she said.