At the close of the show, headcount in the Big Brother house stood at 29 instead of the usual 30, with an uneven number of male and female housemates.
Ebuka announced that this was not a strategic move or a twist. It was simply that one male housemate did not make the cut, as he didn’t complete the lockdown period, which is presumably being held up at a hotel for a few days, waiting for the show’s premiere. According to Ebuka, the missing housemate did not complete the lockdown stage, which is a vital part of the pre-show process; hence, he was disqualified before the show started.
Pre-Entry Requirements Every Housemate Must Complete
Before the show officially begins, selected housemates are required to go through a series of strict procedures. These include identity verification using passports and national identity cards, as well as thorough medical screenings to confirm they are healthy and fit to be in the house without posing a risk to others.
Another major requirement is the mandatory lockdown period, where housemates are kept in isolation at a hotel for several days. This step is designed to prevent leaks and ensure everyone is in good health and fully committed before entering the house.
Unfortunately, the unnamed male housemate did not complete this lockdown phase, resulting in his disqualification from the show before the live premiere.
No Replacement Announced
As of now, there’s no confirmation on whether a replacement will be introduced or if the season will continue with just 29 housemates.

Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.
