Reality television stars Ijeoma Emi, popularly known as Mercedes, and Martins Iyeh have reminisced about their time in the ongoing Big Brother Naija reality show, saying they felt no disappointment about their short stay and would like to return to the show if given the opportunity.

The duo became the housemates to be evicted in the 11th season of the show after emerging as the bottom two contestants in the first public vote of the “Show Ya Sef” season.

Mercedes was evicted after polling 2.29 per cent, while Martins polled 1.63 per cent of the votes.

The eviction came two weeks after the season premiered on July 26, 2026, with 24 housemates entering the competition for the N160 million prize package, comprising N100 million in cash and an SUV.

Speaking with The Guardian, Mercedes, a massage therapist and performance artist who entered the house promising entertainment, authenticity and vulnerability, said Nigerians and others should expect a lot of pole-dancing classes, sensual classes, her gym-wear outfit, which is coming up soon, and to see more of her in the entertainment industry.

“Expect more of my singing, more of my shows in and outside Nigeria. I think people are forgetting that I lift weights.

“When asked what she did not do right in the house, she said: “I went into the house to sell myself. The theme of this year’s edition is tagged ‘Show Ya Sef’. I went to the show to sell myself and didn’t go in with any strategy. That is why I give gbas to anyone who gave me gbas. I give everybody my own self, Ijeoma and Mercedes coexisting in this body.

“I know I did my best while in the house, and I know that the housemates and all of Nigerians will never forget my name.”
Asked if she would work on popularising pole dancing in Nigeria, she said: “Yes.

I would love to clear the stigmatisation about pole dancers. There is a lot of work to do. Are Nigerians ready for me?
“I’m in the finance sector, as I like money a lot, and also in hospitality. I love to cater for people, making sure that they feel at home irrespective of where they are.”

On who she is rooting for, she said: “I am rooting for Flora and Tammy. I’m rooting for Bells, and I hope she steps up. She’s too relaxed.”

When asked if she fell in love with any housemate, she said: “No. I did not develop feelings for anyone in the house. And yes, I’d love the opportunity if Big Brother calls me back to the show.

“People watched my entertainment side but failed to realise that I am smart. I think it’s because I didn’t have a lot of intellectual conversations with people, but I showed the intellectual side by winning the Area Game on Friday. It’s not easy doing that.

“Another thing is to fight with all the werey in the house. At times, I gave it back to them, but I later receded. But now, I won’t ignore. You do, you collect.”

On how he felt after his eviction was announced, Martins, 30, who entered the house as a visual storyteller, creative director and model, said: “I’m a performer;
I took a performer’s bow and I left. It’s a normal thing; nothing is promised.

“My time in the house was a good experience. It’s a good thing to be called by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. I was the first to do everything: first to mark my birthday, first to be a creative director, first to leave.”

When asked if he would be willing to go back to the house, he said: “If Big Brother should call me right now and ask me to be a gambit and stay to the end of the show, I will take it. It’s already a blessing to be associated with the platform. To have the full experience of the project is what money can’t buy.

“If All Stars comes back and I am told to audition amongst one million people, I will jump at it.”

On who he considers his friend in the house, he said: “There are a few people I knew before the house. I knew them before coming into the house. Aiko is the person I met and became friends with instantly. He’s a phenomenal man.”

On what he enjoyed most in the house, he said: “Aside from the free food, the house itself always gives joy. There is no party like the Big Brother house party. It’s the upgraded version of a Lagos party.”