Former Big Brother Naija winner and Nollywood actress Mercy Eke has revealed that she regrets participating in the reality television show, saying the fame it brought has come with emotional and personal challenges despite the opportunities it created.
Speaking during a recent episode of Toke Moments hosted by media personality Toke Makinwa, the reality TV star said adjusting to life after the show proved more difficult than she had anticipated, particularly because of the constant public attention and scrutiny.
Although she acknowledged that winning the competition transformed her career and opened doors to numerous opportunities, Mercy said the pressures of living in the public eye have often outweighed the excitement that accompanied her rise to fame.
“I regret going to Big Brother even though I love the benefits that come from it,” she said, explaining that returning to a normal life after the show became nearly impossible because of the expectations and criticism that followed her everywhere.
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The actress also opened up about her struggles with relationships, revealing that finding a life partner has become increasingly difficult since attaining celebrity status.
According to her, she has invested emotionally and financially in previous relationships without finding lasting commitment.
“I dey fall in love like mumu. Now I say to myself that I want to marry, I want to marry, but it’s not easy,” she said.
Mercy further disclosed that she had financially supported some of the men she dated, saying she gave them money because they were not financially stable.
“I have dated guys that I have given a lot of money to, not one, not two, because they don’t have,” she added.
Reflecting on her personal journey, the former reality show winner said she eventually relocated abroad in search of a fresh start, where she had to adapt to a different way of life and work to rebuild herself outside the intense spotlight.
She described the experience as both challenging and eye-opening, noting that living overseas allowed her to gain a different perspective on fame and personal growth.
Mercy also spoke about the emotional toll of celebrity life, arguing that public figures often become targets of criticism from people who project their frustrations and unrealised aspirations onto them.
According to her, many individuals channel anger toward celebrities because they desire the same visibility and lifestyle but are unable to attain it.
“A lot of people are living through you. I feel like that’s where the anger comes from because they wish to be you. They now channel the anger that they should have taken to God to you,” she said.
Mercy Eke rose to national prominence after becoming the first woman to win Big Brother Naija, a victory that launched her career in entertainment, business and brand endorsements. Despite her success, she said fame has come at a personal cost that continues to shape her life and relationships.

