Kellyrae, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 9, along with his wife Kassia, has shared insights into how they managed to keep their marriage a secret from fellow housemates during their time on the show. In a recent interview on TVC’s Esplash, the couple discussed the challenges and strategies they employed to stay focused on the game while maintaining their relationship under wraps.
The 2024 edition of BBNaija introduced a unique gameplay format centred around pairs, which kept viewers engaged even after the pairs were dissolved. Kellyrae and Kassia entered the house under the alias “Doublekay,” presenting themselves as close friends rather than a married couple.
Reflecting on their strategy, Kellyrae emphasized the importance of discipline. “First of all, discipline. You have to always remind yourself where you’re coming from and know where you’re going,” he explained. He further noted the mental aspect of their game: “In your head, it’s better to remind yourself that it’s just a short period of time; it’s better to stay dirty for a while than to stay clean for the rest of your life. If we needed to be that way, even if it would have taken us a year, it would have been worth it.”
Kellyrae recounted the challenges they faced, particularly in adapting to the house dynamics. “When we first got into the house, she wasn’t used to it and she’s very touchy, so I had to remind her not to call me baby. But towards the end, she was the one reminding me to calm down. At different times, we had each other’s backs,” he added.
Kassia also revealed that entering the BBNaija house had been a long-held dream for her husband. “Going to the house was always his dream and not mine. So for this season, he already made his mind up not to audition because he had tried many times. A friend of his persuaded us, and we were surprised that we got picked,” she said.
As they navigate life after BBNaija, Kellyrae and Kassia’s story showcases the complexities of reality television and the personal sacrifices made for the game, highlighting their commitment to both each other and their aspirations.