Former Big Brother Naija housemates Doris, Big Soso, and Ivatar have reflected on their journeys in the reality show, dismissing negative narratives that followed them and stressing that they remained authentic throughout their stay.
The trio spoke during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday.
Doris, who was tagged “prop lady” for her creativity with tasks, said she was wrongly accused of being disrespectful to Big Brother after a difficult week in the house.
According to her, the perception came from a single diary session where she appeared withdrawn.
“I apologised to Big Brother. I don’t know where the narrative came from, because I had one bad diary session where I was not my chirpy self. People have down days,” she said.
She explained that the week had been emotionally draining — she quarreled with her love interest and a fellow housemate, Denari, lost the Head of House challenge, and broke down after noticing that Sabrina’s picture was removed, signalling her eviction.
Despite the low moment, Doris maintained that she showcased her full range of talents during the show.
“I showed my strengths as an actor, a director, a screenwriter, a voice actor, and as a team player. I was pushing on, having fun with it. I wouldn’t change anything,” she said, adding that she enjoyed her creative process, including making props for tasks and even signing a fun souvenir book with her teammates during fair week.
Big Soso, who earned the nickname “mummy” among housemates, rejected suggestions that her nurturing personality was an attempt to be a “pick-me.” She said her behaviour reflected her background and natural instincts.
“When has it been a bad thing to be a motherly figure? I never regret that,” she said.
“I come from the northern part of Nigeria, where women are raised to be nurturers. I have younger siblings I always look after, and I run a food business and a charity for vulnerable young girls. That’s naturally me.”
She described her time in the house as a “10 over 10” experience, saying she was proud of how she showed herself in the kitchen, salon, and in bonding moments with housemates.
“I was myself 100%. If I could add anything, it would only be more fire to who I already am,” she said.
On the other hand, Ivatar admitted her biggest struggle was approaching people in the house, a challenge she said clashed with her natural sociable personality.
“I’m a DJ, a TV presenter, very entertaining, but in that house it was quite difficult,” she explained.
“I’m used to people approaching me, maybe because of how I look, what I do, or even my tattoos. So it was hard for me to switch roles and go to people.”
She also regretted backing down too often in group tasks.
“I let them ride over me or make choices that didn’t involve me, and I wish I stood my ground more. Outside, I don’t back down, but in the house I wanted to avoid arguments because I was one of the first to clash in week one.
“ If I could change anything, I would have brought that bold side of me — I would have been second Imisi vibe, but in my own Ivatar way, where I would say, no. Doing what I want, even if everyone was against me,” said Ivatar.
The ex-housemate admitted that her reserved moments led some viewers to label her “dull,” which she disagreed with.
“Prior to the show, people loved my vibe and energy. Maybe I would have danced on my own or spoken more, even if nobody wanted to engage me. But that’s not me — I preserve my energy, and sometimes the house just didn’t give me that space,” she said.
From Doris defending her creativity, to Big Soso standing by her maternal nature, and Ivatar reflecting on her missed chances, all three insisted their authenticity defined their time on BBNaija, regardless of outside perceptions.
