The much-anticipated Big Brother Naija All-Stars edition premiered on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
As fans tuned in for the nostalgic thrill of their favorite reality show, the absence of some of the biggest stars from previous editions became a prominent topic of discussion on social media.
Among the 20 housemates competing for the coveted N120 million cash prize, only two past winners from the six seasons (Seasons 2–7) made the cut: Mercy Eke and Whitemoney, representing Seasons 4 and 6, respectively. Join us as we delve into the intriguing stories of the top ex-BBNaija housemates missing from this All-Stars edition.
BBNaija Season 2 “See Gobe” Housemates
The captivating Season 2 “See Gobe” aired in 2017 and introduced us to stars like Efe Money, Bisola Aiyeola, Debbie-Rise, TBoss, Kemen, ThinTallTony, and Uriel.
However, it’s only Uriel and Somadina “Soma” Anyama who grace the current season from this memorable season. Efe’s music career didn’t reach the heights he had hoped for, while Bisola soared as one of Nigeria’s sought-after actresses. Kemen found success as one of the country’s top fitness experts. The reasons for the absence of the other “See Gobe” housemates remain undisclosed.
BBNaija Season 3 “Double Wahala” Housemates
The intense Season 3 “Double Wahala,” which aired in 2018, gave rise to numerous superstars like Miracle Igbokwe, Cee-C, Tobi Bakre, Teddy A, BamBam, late Rico Swavey, Alex Unusual, Nina, Dee-One, Khloe, and Ifu Ennada.
However, only CeeC, Alex, and Princess, who were the first to be evicted, represent the season in this edition. Miracle is now a top celebrity pilot, while Tobi Bakre shines as a sought-after action thriller actor, winning the Best Actor of the Year at the 9th African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Teddy A and BamBam also find success in the movie industry. Notably, Tacha, Diane Russet, and KimOprah are missing from the All-Stars edition for specific reasons they’ve vocalized.
Season 4 “Pepper Dem” Housemates
Season 4 “Pepper Dem” aired in 2019, boasting stars like Mercy Eke, Tacha, Frodd, Mike Edwards, Ike Onyema, KimOprah, Seyi Awolowo, Venita Akpofure, Elozonam, and Diane Russet.
Mercy Eke, Seyi, Frodd, Venita, and Ike represent the season in the ongoing edition, but the absence of Tacha, Diane, and KimOprah is striking.
Tacha turned down the invitation to participate, asserting she wouldn’t “water down” her brand without fair compensation. Diane expressed her preference to work with the production crew, while KimOprah’s reasons remain apparent.
Season 5 “Lockdown” Housemates
Season 5 “Lockdown” premiered in July 2020, giving rise to stars like Laycon, Erica Nlewedim, Dorathy Bachor, Kiddwaya, Nengi, Neo, Vee, Ozo, Brighto, Tolanibaj, Lilo, Ka3na, and Prince Nelson.
Kiddwaya, Neo, and Tolanibaj represent the season in the ongoing edition, but Laycon, Erica, Dorathy, Nengi, and Ozo are missing. Rumors circulate that Laycon and Erica might join later, but Laycon reiterates his focus on music, while Ozo thrives as a sports show host on Brilla FM.
Season 6 “Shine Ya Eye” Housemates
Season 6 “Shine Ya Eye” hit the screens in July 2021, introducing us to stars like Whitemoney, Pere, Liquorose, Cross, Angel Smith, Nini Singh, Saga, Maria Chike, Boma, Tega Dominic, Jackie B, Emmanuel Umoh, and Saskay.
Whitemoney, Cross, Pere, and Angel represent the season in the ongoing edition, while Liquorose, Saga, Boma, Saskay, and Nini are missing. Maria’s absence coincides with her recent baby’s arrival.
Season 7 “Level Up” Housemates
Season 7 “Level Up” premiered in July of the previous year, producing stars like Phyna, Hermes Iyele, Bryann, Beauty Tukura, Bella Okagbue, Sheggz, Adekunle Olopade, Groovy, Diana Edobor, Ilebaye, Eloswag, Doyinsola David, and Giddyfia.
Ilebaye, Doyin, and Adekunle represent the season in the ongoing edition, but Phyna, Bryann, Beauty, Groovy, Hermes, Diana, Giddyfia, Bella, and Sheggz are absent. Diana playfully disclosed she’d join if host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu participated, but he was exempted as an ex-Season 1 housemate.
Conclusion
The All-Stars edition may have brought back beloved memories, but the absence of some top ex-BBNaija housemates has left fans longing for more. As we celebrate the current season’s stars, we can’t help but wonder about the untold stories and exciting possibilities that could have unfolded with the inclusion of these unseen stars.
Big Brother Naija has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Nigerian pop culture, and with each passing season, the allure of the reality show continues to grow. Who knows what surprises future editions hold, or if we’ll ever witness the return of these missing stars to the Big Brother Naija stage? Only time will tell.
