The Biggest Loser (Australia)
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Applications for the program closed on November 11, 2005. Over 6,000 Australians applied to take part.
The show was broadcasted at 7pm every weeknight for approximately ten weeks. The eventual winner of The Biggest Loser, as decided by percentage of weight lost throughout the entire show was Adriano "Adro" Sarnelli, who won AUD$200,000.
The second place went to Harry, who had been eliminated and returned in the Super Challenge. Although commenting "I'm gonna win this.", and losing an amazng 66.2 kg in total (37.00%), he lost out to Adro's marginally better 37.58%, who in total lost 51.3 kg (37.58%). For Harry's efforts, he won $30 000. Third place went to Kristie, who lost an astounding 37.8 kg when once considers she was the second lightest contestant to begin with. This translated to a percentage weight loss of 36.93%, only 0.07% below Harry and within a percent of the winner, Adro. She won a total of $20 000. Coming in fourth was the lightest and youngest contestant, Fiona, who lost 29.18% (29.5 kg), and won $10 000.
At the end of the show, Adro could only manage to yell, "this is unreal" as the stage was invaded by loved ones and elated contestants. As Wal shouted 'Young Bull' at the top of his voice and the crowd cheered. On the Sunday night following the finale, April 30, 2006, a special episode of the will air show to reveal 'Secrets of The Biggest Loser' which includes all the diet and nutrition tips used as part of the show as well as a behind the scene look at the show itelf.
Contestants
Contestants for the first series were initially divided in two teams, Red and Blue. When only eight contestants remained, they were paired. After one week of pairs, contestants were on their own. Currently, all (except two) of the contestants have been brought back to the competition; one will become a wildcard contestant. The two contestants not participating are Tracy, who declined, and Wal, who was brought back but gained weight and had to leave the competition.Blue Team: (trained by Bob Harper)
- Artie Rocke (Starting weight: 156 kg)- Eliminated in week 5 along with partner Tracy.
- Cat White (Starting weight: 158 kg) - Eliminated in week 3.
- Tracy Moores (Starting weight: 110 kg)- Eliminated in week 5 along with partner Artie.
- Fiona Falkiner (Starting weight: 101 kg) - Fourth place, won $10 000.
- Harry Kantzidis (Starting weight: 179 kg) - Eliminated in week 4. Returned when the eliminated contestants took part in the Super Challenge to add one additional member to the final three. Second place, and winner of $30 000.
- Vladimir (Wal) Milberg (Starting weight: 177 kg) - Moved to Red Team in week 3 as a balance, eliminated in week 6. Won the eliminated contestants challenge on the finale to win $50 000.
- Adriano (Adro) Sarnelli (Starting weight: 137 kg) - Eliminated in week 10. Brought back into the finale for "fairness". Biggest Loser and winner of $200 000.
- David Hilyander (Starting weight: 197 kg) - Eliminated in week 1.
- Jo Cowling (Starting weight: 108 kg) - Eliminated in week 2.
- Kristie Dignam (Starting weight: 105 kg) - Third place, won $20 000.
- Ruth Almeida de Campos (Starting weight: 155 kg) - Eliminated in week 7.
- Shane Giles (Starting weight: 154 kg) - Eliminated in week 8.
- Artie and Tracy
- Fiona and Shane
- Adro and Ruth
- Wal and Kristie
- Wal (Won $50 000)
- Harry (Final weight: 112.7 kg. Total loss: 66.2 kg. Percentage: 37.00%)
- Fiona (Final weight: 71.6 kg. Total loss: 29.5 kg. Percentage: 29.18%)
- Adro (Final weight: 85.2 kg. Total loss: 51.3 kg. Percentage: 37.58%)
- Kristie (Final weight: 66.1 kg. Total loss: 38.7 kg. Percentage: 36.93%)
Controversy
Trainer Bob Harper was absent for the second week of the show after his mother suddenly died of a heart attack.In the first week of the show, contestant Ruth thought she was pregnant and almost left the show. She tested negative and returned to the competition.
During week four's Blue Team elimination, Harry was eliminated. While this was going on, the Red Team swapped rooms with the Blue Team (without permission). This considerably distressed the remaining Blue Team of Artie, Tracy and in particular Fiona, who refused to speak on camera for some time and contemplated leaving the show. Eventually she decided she would not, stating "I don't wanna be a quitter," as her reason for staying.
It got to the final three; Fiona, Adro and Kristie but in a twist the eliminated contestants were invited back; only one declining - Tracy. However, any contestant who gained weight had to immediately leave. Wal, to shock of the other contestants, gained weight and was forced to leave the competition.
The returning eliminated contestants trekked through 3 km of Sand Dunes for the "Super Challenge"; then chose the lowest calorie meals from the table and whoever chose the lowest three calorie meals would have a chance to be in the final 4.
Coming First; Harry chose the second lowest in calories which was the canned Roma Tomatoes. Coming in Second; Jo chose the lowest calorie choice; Ribena Light. And although coming in last place; Cat chose the Tuna in Oil; the third lowest but due to her knowledge of calories in meals got her next chance.
A weigh in decided who was a part of the final 4; Cat weighed in last (losing 0.9 kg); Jo weighed in just before Harry losing 2 kg, Harry losing 10.7 kg and claiming his place in the final 4.
Adro was then subsequently eliminated in the next vote, which was between him and Fiona. However, he was brought back for reasons of "fairness".
Trivia
A number of The Biggest Loser records were set during the first week of the Australian version, with contestant Wal losing 15.5 kg (34.17 pounds) - the most weight lost by any contestant in a week; together with the greatest total weight loss for all contestants with 97.8 kg (215.61 pounds); and the Blue team losing the most weight by a single team with 56.4 kg (124.34 pounds). Kristie lost the most percentage of body weight in the first week of any show. In later shows, Shane, Fiona & Kristie are the only contestants to gain weight, Shane gaining 2.3 kg and Fiona gaining 2.6 kg, both "Water Loaded" so they could lose more weight next week. One week on, Fiona who is the underdog and the smallest, lost a massive 7.8 kg and was the biggest loser for the week. Kristie; who earned immunity later in the game also used the water load technique gaining a 5.9 kg; a hard decision for the mother which did pay off, her being the biggest loser of that week with a weight loss of 8 kg. Fiona also gained 0.1 kg one week, even though she didn't have immunity nor did she "Water Load".The water loading technique was then officially banned after Kristie's decision; gaining weight resulted in being put up for elimination; even if Immunity was gained it would be disregarded.
Music
- The music used in the advertising and opening for the show is "Lift" by Shannon Noll.
- Teaser music used to advertise the show on Network TEN prior to start: "Long Way To Go" (Track 9 - Session five, premiere song sampler).
Season 2
It has been announced that a second series of the Biggest Loser Australia, will be made. Application forms have been made available at The biggest Loser website.External links
- [Official Ten website of The Biggest Loser (Australia)]
- [Unofficial fansite of The Biggest Loser (Australia)]
- [Bob Harper Official Site]
- [Jillian Michaels Official Site]
- [Adro Sarnelli's Official Site]
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