A housemate on the tenth season of Nigeria’s Big Brother Naija reality series has exited the show for medical reasons, sparking emotional reactions from fans and fellow contestants. Sabrina, whose full name has not been disclosed, departed the show following consultations with producers and the program’s medical team, according to an official statement posted Monday on the social media platform X.
The announcement came after Sabrina informed her housemates earlier that day of her decision to voluntarily leave due to health concerns. Organizers emphasized the move followed a joint assessment, stating she required “a more thorough medical investigation” beyond the resources available on-site. In their post, the show’s team underscored their “commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all housemates” during the competition, which places participants in a monitored house under constant public scrutiny.
Details about Sabrina’s health condition remain private, with the statement refraining from specifics to protect her medical confidentiality. Her abrupt exit visibly affected others in the house, particularly contestant Kola, shown in footage breaking down in tears shortly after the news. Viewers of the live broadcast also expressed sadness on social media, with many praising her courage in prioritizing personal health over the competition.
The incident highlights the heightened pressures faced by reality TV contestants, a topic previously scrutinized in global franchises like Big Brother. While medical exits are rare, producers worldwide have increasingly emphasized duty-of-care protocols in recent years, particularly after high-profile cases of contestants experiencing mental or physical health crises. Big Brother Naija, a cultural phenomenon across Africa, draws millions of viewers, with housemates competing for cash prizes and brand endorsement deals.
Sabrina’s departure reduces the remaining pool of contestants, though organizers have not indicated plans to replace her. Her exit follows the show’s history of prioritizing health: in 2020, housemate Ka3na left during season five after testing positive for COVID-19.
As the season continues, discussions around contestant welfare are likely to persist, reflecting broader conversations about ethics in reality television. For now, fans await updates on Sabrina’s condition while the remaining housemates adjust to the unexpected shift in the competition’s dynamics.
