I Became A Pole Dancer To Survive – BBNaija’s Mercedes

Ijeoma ‘Mercedes’ Emi, the former BBNaija ‘Show Ya Sef’ housemate, has revealed that her involvement in pole dancing began not as a hobby, but as a necessity for survival.

Mercedes, who was evicted from the season 11 alongside fellow housemate Martins last Sunday, shared her story in a recent interview with TheCable Lifestyle.

The reality star explained that she first discovered pole dancing through a movie and initially embraced it as an alternative form of exercise.

“Pole dancing was a survival means; it is not a hobby or something I planned to do. I watched a movie once, I saw it, and I loved it. It was another form of exercise for me. Then I went into the sensual part of it with pole dancing, and that is how it started off,” she said.

The reality star said the activity has since evolved into something she genuinely enjoys, citing both physical and mental benefits.

“It is something that I enjoy doing now because it gives me more confidence and makes me more flexible. I used to be very stiff, and it also helps me tone my body. I could stay out of the gym for months, and it would be like I was lifting weights,” she added.

The 2026 season premiered on July 26 with 24 housemates. This year’s winner stands to claim a record-breaking grand prize of N160 million, the largest payout in the reality show’s history since its debut in 2006.

Source: The Cable

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