The Biggest Loser Australia (Season 2)

Infobox Television
show_name = The Biggest Loser
genre = Reality television,
Game show
creator = NBC
developer = FremantleMedia Australia
presenter = Ajay Rochester
starring = Jillian Michaels,
Bob Harper,
Michelle Bridges,
Shannan Ponton,
Steve Willis
voices =
narrated =
theme_music_composer = Shannon Noll,
Adam Reily,
Byron Jones,
Andrew Roachford
opentheme = "Lift" by Shannon Noll
endtheme =
country = Australia
language = English
num_seasons = 3
num_episodes = 68
list_episodes = List of The Biggest Loser Australia episodes
producer = Amanda Scott
executive_producer = Carl Fennessy,
Ben Silverman,
Paul Franklin
location = Sydney, New South Wales,
Queenstown, New Zealand
camera =
runtime = 30 mins (Tue-Fri)
60 mins (Sun-Mon, specials)
120 mins (Finale)
(inc. commercials)
network = Network TEN
picture_format = 16:9 SDTV
audio_format =
first_run =
first_aired = 4 February, 2007
last_aired = 26 April, 2007
preceded_by = "The Biggest Loser" (2006)
followed_by = "The Biggest Loser 3" (2008)
related = "The Biggest Loser" (US)
website = http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/
imdb_id =
tv_com_id = 56677

"The Biggest Loser" 2 is the second season of the Australian version of the original NBC hit American reality television series, "The Biggest Loser" where 14 overweight contestants competed for AUD$200,000 and be titled "Australia's Biggest Loser for 2007". This season began airing on Sunday 4 February, 2007 at 7pm on Network Ten, with the finale on 26 April,2007. The eventual winner was Chris Garling, one of "The Outsiders", who lost 70.1kg (46.89% of his start weight). Eliminated contestants also had the chance to compete for a runners-up prize of $50,000, which was won by Michael losing 70.0kg (42.37% of his start weight). Five episodes were screened each week night, with a sixth episode introduced on Sunday nights. Industry experts were skeptical of its success screening on this competitive night. The show averaged more than 1 million viewers each night, peaking at 1,995,000 viewers for the finale and 1,560,000 viewers for a weigh-in show. [April 4, 2007 [http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21503432-5006014,00.html Extreme Biggest Loser] - noting ratings, and screen times. The Daily Telegraph, URL accessed April 20, 2007] Over 10,000 Australians applied, 2,000 more than the 2006 season. [ [http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/back-and-bigger-than-ever/2007/01/31/1169919344312.html?page=fullpage Back, and bigger than ever] - over 10,000 people applied for this season. The Age, URL accessed April 19, 2007] The show is licensed and produced by FremantleMedia Australia in association with Reveille.

14 contestants (2 more than the previous season) competed in 2 teams, later becoming pairs and then playing individually. An additional four being introduced throughout the game as part of twists or as replacement contestants. In the first two weeks, one contestant voluntarily quit and one withdrew on medical advice. [ [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21135632-5006022,00.html Biggest Loser under fire] . Herald Sun, URL accessed April 19, 2007. There was also controversy over another contestant leaving on medical advice, Jules]

Two new Australian trainers, Michelle Bridges and Shannan Ponton, were introduced to replace the previous American trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels who reprised their role temporarily [ [http://livinlavidalocarb.blogspot.com/2007/01/bob-harper-jillian-michaels-reunite-for.html Bob Harper & Jillian Michaels Reunite For 'The Biggest Loser Australia' 2] , The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Blog, URL accessed April 20, 2007] . Although Michelle states she doesn't like the format of the reality television show, she feels in the end it is helping change people's lives. [ [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21147589-5003422,00.html Worth the weight] - Introduction of Shannan and Michelle as new trainers and Michelle not liking the show format. The Courier-Mail, URL accessed April 19, 2007] Jillian was ridiculed for participating in the Australian version and not the American version, she stated that the Australian show represented her more accurately. [ [http://www.who.com/who/magazine/article/0,19636,7401070212-1584091,00.html WHO magazine Interview with Jillian; Jillian Michaels sounds off!] . WHO, Jan 31, 2007, URL accessed April 20, 2007] Contestants were also introduced to former SAS soldier Steve Willis, dubbed "The Commando". Bob and Jillian left at the end of the second week, revisiting in the eighth week for a final time.

Two main new elements were introduced to the game including "The Walk" which gave contestants power to change the outcome of the game and a further two contestants were "secretly" trained outside the house and entered as "The Outsiders".

Before going to air, there were various allegations that "Australian Idol" winner Casey Donovan had applied to be a contestant and had been rejected. Network Ten argued that Donovan had simply not survived the application process. [(October 7, 2006) [http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20535633-5006002,00.html Casey fails as Biggest Loser] . The Daily Telegraph, URL accessed February 5, 2007] Further criticism was received by exercise experts, saying the show promoted risky weight loss techniques and may endanger the show's viewers. [ [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21474193-5005961,00.html Loser 'promotes dangerous weight loss'] . Herald Sun, URL accessed April 19, 2007] There was also much criticism of contestants leaving on medical advise after multiple health scares. [ [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21135632-5006022,00.html Biggest Loser under fire] . Herald Sun, URL accessed April 19, 2007. Media response to Jules leaving "The Biggest Loser"]

eason Overview

Game variations

Immunity: A small change to immunity was that the contestant to win immunity retained it for the following week if no other contestant gained immunity.

"The Walk": A new element known as "The Walk" involved the winner of the immunity challenges having a random choice of four game-altering options. Some options included a 24-hour training prior to the first weigh-in, choosing replacement contestants, swapping team members, giving up immunity, and immediate mid-week elimination.

New Trainers: Two new primary Australian trainers were introduced, who appeared to replace the previous American trainers. A third element was former SAS solder Steve Willis dubbed "The Commando" who was used for rewards or penalties in challenges. The Commando trained "The Outsiders" at a secondary training secret ranch before they entered the game.

"The Outsiders": Two contestants called "The Outsiders", Chris Garling and Kimberlie Stewart, entered the game in week 7, having been weighed in the white house at the beginning of the game without the knowledge of all other contestants. They were trained with the Commando during the 6 weeks before entering the house and formed a pair upon entering the game.

"Wild card" contestant: As with the previous season, all previously eliminated contestants were invited to return to the game for a second chance "wild card" entry back into the game. The difference with this game element was that only 5 out of the returning 10 contestants could enter the game by winning a qualification weigh-in. All eliminated contestants returned except for walk-out contestants Sarah, Jules and Sam. P'eta chose not to return, similar to Tracy from the first season.

Trainer's Choice Award: At the end of the series a Suzuki Grand Vitara was awarded to Jules by the trainers, recognizing her for "handling herself exquisitely throughout the whole show". [ [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=94 Brave Player Rewarded With Special Trainer's Award] . April 22, 2007]

List of episodes

There were a total of 68 episodes that followed the general weekly format of Elimination, Minor Challenge, Temptation, "The Walk", Major Challenge, and The Weigh-in. In some instances, episodes were replaced with specials where major twists were introduced, or previous events were explained for viewers missing information. Some of these special episodes included:
*Two contestants leave: Due to unexpected withdrawal of contestants, episode 3 in week 1 focussed on this event.
*The game so far: In week 6 was a recap episode where all previous episodes were summarised.
*Duos Decided: In week 6 teams were separated into pairs. Damien won the minor challenge and power to choose pairs.
*The Biggest Twist Thus Far; The Outsiders: The secret contestants training on the outside for 6 weeks enter the house in week 7.
*Make Overs: Remaining contestants were given new clothes and hairstyles for a magazine photo-shoot in mid week 8.
*Fear Challenges: Replacing the regular spot for "The Walk", fear challenges were personal mental challenges that each remaining contestant participated in, for no tangible reward. The 6 remaining contestants were flown to Queenstown, New Zealand. Courtney went on a large cliff swing, Chris used a rocket swing, Damien and Kimberlie rock climbed a 30 m cliff face, Munnalita bungee jumped and Pati participated in white water sports
*Mountain hike: Contestants participated in a mountain hike, add weighted bags weighing the amount of weight they had lost each week. All contestants reaching the mountain peak carrying the weight they started the show with. The experience was to feel the relief when they removed their backpacks. Kimberlie added an extra 40kg to match what she was at her heaviest weight.
*Return of the eliminated contestants: On being invited back for a chance to enter back into the game, contestants went through various challenges:
**Second chance challenge: Contestants were required to hold two medicine balls whilst balancing on a series of three varied sized logs, each one smaller than the last, for half an hour each. Mel, who had an ankle problem stepped down and was immediately eliminated. Gerard won the challenge, Kelly coming a close second.
**Second chance temptation: Contestants had a 1 in 6 chance to receive a wild card chance, elimination and other prizes. Laura won a guarantee qualification, Greg was immediately eliminated. Other prizes included a trip won by Kelly, a scooter won by Alex, a small hamburger and chips won by Damien, and a chocolate platter won by Courtney. Michael and Marty chose not to participate in the temptation challenge.
**Super Challenge: Remaining contestants competed in a sand dune and mental challenge, with the three remaining places going to Michael, Marty and Damien. Courtney, Alex and Kelly were immediately eliminated.
*Train the trainers: Mid week 11 contestants were tested with their knowledge of training routines in preparation for moving outside of the game. Marty and Chris flogging Shannan and Munnalita and Pati snapped Michelle in half.
*Trainer's Choice Award: The episode before the finale was a consolation for Jules who withdrew from the show on medical advice. She was given a "Suzuki Grand Vitara"

The Weigh-in

At the end of each week, contestants must be weighed to determine how much weight they had lost since the previous week or weigh in. Generally the person with the highest weight loss receives immunity. With teams, the total percentage of weight loss for the team must be highest to avoid elimination. With pairs and individuals, players must come in "above the yellow line" which is usually the 2 lowest weight losers of the week. Weigh-in episodes were generally screened on Sunday nights, or left as a cliffhanger and combined with elimination episodes.

Elimination notes
*Sarah quit in week 1 due to feeling isolated from the rest of the group. All four trainers and former contestant Cat from season 1 failed to convince her to stay in the game. [ [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=15 Rifts Appear As The Reds Lose A Team Mate] - "The Biggest Loser" official website. URL accessed April 23, 2007]
*Sam withdrew in week 1 due to deep vein thrombosis. [Official references to Sam leaving in articles: [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=21 Unforgettable Weigh-in Shocks the Nation] , [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=21 Heartbreaking Elimination Shatters Contestant’s Dream] - "The Biggest Loser" official website. URL accessed April 23, 2007]
*P'eta was unexpectedly eliminated as part of a twist introduced by "The Walk". Munnalita had the choice to eliminate a female contestant and chose P'eta. [ [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=39 Munnalita Exercises Ultimate Power] - "The Biggest Loser" official website. URL accessed April 23, 2007]
*Jules withdrew in week 5 due to irregular heart patterns. Despite the contestants wanting her to stay, the on-site medic advised her to leave the game. [ [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=52 Unexpected Farewell Shatters The Blues] - "The Biggest Loser" official website. URL accessed April 23, 2007]
*Damien was eliminated in week 9 as a result of a Super Challenge. The penalty for losing the challenge was to be immediately eliminated. [ [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=78 Friends Rally As Role Model's Journey Ends] - "The Biggest Loser" official website. URL accessed April 23, 2007]
*Damien's elimination marked the first time that an entire team was eliminated before the finale. He and Laura returned two weeks later and were eliminated again. With their eliminations, trainers Bob and Shannan had lost their entire team, and thus they both were also eliminated from the competition, as they had no other contestants to represent them at the finale. However, both trainers still remained in the house to train their former rival contestants.
*Marty was also eliminated twice. His first elimination was by a "hung" or tied vote in week 5, giving the voting decision to the other team. Upon returning to the game, Marty secured immunity in week 8 but was voted out as he had gained weight at the weigh-in stripping him of his eligibility of immunity. He also returned twice and went on to become a finalist.
*Chris and Pati are the only contestants to have not been eliminated, but Pati is the only contestant to be in the game for the entire length of the season, Chris entered the game in week 6.

Minor Challenges

Contestants must compete in challenges to earn individual or team rewards. These rewards often lead to giving contestants power to change the outcome of the game with weight advantages or penalties, or individual personal prizes generally awarded by the shows advertising suppliers or sponsors. Generally, minor challenges were screened on Tuesday nights.

"The Walk"

As an addition to receiving immunity, contestants also receive the power of "The Walk" which gave them the choice to change the game from options provided to them. "The Walk" was generally screened on Thursday nights.

Disqualified contestants: Contestants Jules and Sam weighed in at the Finale but their results were not counted towards the runners-up prize as they were disqualified from play as they withdrew from the game, even though it was for medical reasons. Sarah did not make a finale appearance.

Cast and personalities

Host

Ajay Rochester returned to the second season reprising her role as host of the show. Ajay has since stated goals for herself after the completion of this season, moving into hosting a radio show [ [http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21514867-5006002,00.html?from=public_rss: Ajay Rochester gets radio role] . Daily Telegraph, URL accessed April 19, 2007] . Before the show went to air, Ajay was under the spotlight for her own weight [ [http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/biggest-loser-host-gets-camerashy/2006/09/02/1156817145951.html Biggest Loser host gets camera-shy] . The Sydney Morning Herald, URL accessed April 19, 2007] . During primary production of the show, Ajay appeared on Network Ten's New Years celebrations.

Trainers

*Bob Harper (US trainer)
*Jillian Michaels (US trainer)
*Michelle Bridges (New Australian trainer)
*Shannan Ponton (New Australian trainer)
*Steve Willis (Australian Commando)
*Claire Collins (Nutritionist and dietitian)

Contestants

14 contestants started the game, 2 more than the previous season. As a result of contestant withdrawal, "The Outsiders" and replacements, the total number of contestants was 18.

Original Contestants:
*Alex Tsao: (Ringwood North, VIC, Age 37, Height 167 cm, Goal weight 95kg)
*Courtney Jackson: (Varsity Lakes, QLD, Age 21, Height 185 cm, Goal weight 90kg). Courtney has now had a career change, wanting to be a personal trainer [ [http://www.ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=6442 Courtney's new act] , Courtney talks about becoming a personal trainer. Sydney Star Observer, URL accessed April 20, 2007] .
*Damien Wicks: (Larrakeyah, NT, Age 34, Height 188 cm, Goal weight 110kg)
*Greg Koutsovidis: (Glynde, SA, Age 33, Height 175 cm, Goal weight 90kg)
*Gerard Fleischer: (Bentley, WA, Age 43, Height 175 cm, Goal weight 85kg)
*Kelly Donaghy Lewis: (Caringbah, VIC, Age 28, Height 174 cm, Goal weight 70kg)
*Mellisa Mel Russell: (Wollongong, NSW, Age 24, Height 183 cm, Goal weight 75kg)
*Marty Barrett: (Cleveland, QLD, Age 38, Height 193 cm, Goal weight 95kg)
*Patima "Pati" Singe: (Bayview, QLD, Age 26, Height 172 cm, Goal weight 70kg)
*Michael Hinde: (Adelaide, SA, Age 28, Height 192 cm, Goal weight 99kg)
*Munnalita Kyrimis: (Mount Gambier, SA, Age 32, Height 170 cm, Goal weight 60kg)

"The Outsiders":
*Christopher "Chris" Garling: (Sydney, NSW, Age 23, Height 198 cm, Goal weight 90kg)
*Kimberlie Stewart: (Sydney, NSW, Age 32, Height 173 cm, Goal weight 99kg)

Replacement Contestants: The replacement contestants were selected from a choice of four people as part of "The Walk". The two people that did not become contestants were Kelli Harvey (Brisbane, QLD, Age 26, Height 180 cm, Goal Weight 68kg) and Jess. [http://www.qt.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3732479&thesection=localnews&thesubsection= Kelli has subsequently lost a substantial amount of weight and has become a spokesperson for Fernwood Fitness' Butterfly Program in Brisbane.] [ [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=newsdetail&cid=25 Gerard's Walk Provides A Shocking Twist] . Official "The Biggest Loser" website. URL accessed April 23, 2007]
*Laura Kufersin: (Melbourne, VIC, Age 20, Height 175 cm, Goal weight 70kg)
*P'eta Phelan: (Melbourne, VIC, Age 27, Height 179 cm, Goal weight 75kg)

Disqualified Contestants:
*Jules Condon: (Gordonvale, QLD), Age 34, Height 170 cm, Goal weight 75kg)
*Sam Birrell: (Bell Park, VIC), Age 37, Height 171 cm, Goal weight 79kg)
*Sarah Peak: (Carlingford, NSW), Age 24, Height (170cm, Goal weight 75kg)

Team arrangements

Teams: The show started with two teams, "Blue Team" trained by Bob and Shannan and "Red Team" trained by Jillian and Michelle. The Australian trainers entered the game and individually the contestants chose their trainers, with the heaviest contestant choosing first (Damien) and the lightest choosing last (Mel). Bob and Jillian then entered and joined the Shannan and Michelle respectively as co-trainers. As teams became uneven throughout the game, some challenge rewards or penalties were to swap team members which retained even numbers for teams to compete fairly.

Duos: With 8 contestants remaining, teams were broken into 4 pairs of male and female contestants. Damien won the power to choose teams as a result of a minor challenge. At this stage of the game, Jules left the game making an uneven number of contestants, leaving Damien with the decision to leave one contestant to compete by themselves. The pairs grouped together were: Damien and Laura, Greg and Mel, Courtney and Munnalita, and Pati was left by herself which introduced a new twist. The biggest weight loser of all eliminated contestants returned to the game, this being Marty who was only just eliminated the day before. Greg and Mel were eliminated as part of a double elimination, and were replaced by new contestants Chris and Kimberlie, introduced as "The Outsiders".

Individuals: With 7 contestants remaining (including the new "The Outsiders"), pairs no longer existed and contestants competed in all challenges individually.

Final 4: The final four contestants were Chris, Kimberlie, Pati and Munnalita. As a result of the "wild card" challenge, contestant Marty returned to the game and replaced eliminated contestant Kimberlie, making Marty part of the final 4 contestants.

Production and release

Filming locations

Filming of "The Biggest Loser" was primarily located in Sydney, NSW, Australia. The main filming locations seen throughout the show are the White House (where contestants reside and train), the "Outsider" training ranch (where "The Outsiders" trained before entering the house), the elimination room (a room inside the house where votes are cast for contestants to be eliminated from the game) and the diary room (a studio set up for contestants to leave video entries of their time in the house). Other game locations include "The Walk" which was filmed around "Bobbin Head National Park", Turramurra, NSW. Other filming locations include areas around the house gardens for individual contestant interviews. There are also filming locations at South Sydney beaches and other areas where challenges take place. Areas of Queenstown, New Zealand were also primary filming locations as part of the New Zealand Super Challenge, the focus points being the hike and sprint up Coronet Peak and the Super Challenge at Paradise. There are also the studios for the live finale reunion.

Filming dates

There are three main dates organised around the production of the show including the application and audition process, primary photography and production and the show finale which occurs 6 weeks after the final week of primary photography (the tenth week of game play), and was filmed on Monday, 23 April (instead of a live show like the previous season).

Air dates and channels

This season began airing on Sunday 4 February, 2007 at 7:00pm on Network Ten, five episodes each week night, with an additional sixth episode introduced on Sunday nights. After a total of 67 episodes (10 x 6 weeklies) the pre-taped finale episode screened on 26 April, 2007.

Credits and associations

"The Biggest Loser" is a trademark of Reveille LLC and is licensed and produced by FremantleMedia Australia Pty Limited. In Australia it is distributed by Crackerjack Productions, Grundy-Fremantle Media Group and Network Ten Australia. Among others, the major sponsors and suppliers that were explicitly credited were 100% Pure newzealand.com, Accredited Practising Dieticians, Air New Zealand, Brooks, Chrysler, Fernwood Health Club, LG Electronics, Workout World and Valiant Hire. [ [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/default.aspx?page=54 Sponsorship and Advertising Partners] . URL accessed April 19, 2007]

Reception and public response

Controversies

Casey Donovan: Before the show went to air, there were some controversies when allegations emerged that morbidly obese singer and "Australian Idol" series two winner Casey Donovan had applied to be a contestant and had been rejected. Network Ten dismissed these allegations, arguing that Donovan had simply not survived the application process. [(October 7, 2006) [http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20535633-5006002,00.html Casey fails as Biggest Loser] . The Daily Telegraph, URL accessed February 5, 2007]

Health risks: The show received further criticism, being attacked by exercise experts for promoting risky weight loss techniques that may endanger the show's viewers. [ [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21474193-5005961,00.html Loser 'promotes dangerous weight loss'] . Herald Sun, URL accessed April 19, 2007] There was also much criticism when news leaked of contestant Jules, then unknown, was forced to quit after multiple health scares and hospital visits. [ [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21135632-5006022,00.html Biggest Loser under fire] . Herald Sun, URL accessed April 19, 2007. Media response to Jules leaving "The Biggest Loser"] [ [http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21055103-5006343,00.html 'Biggest Loser' entrant quits] . Adelaide now, URL accessed April 19, 2007. Article about Jules leaving the game] [ [http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21498,21376587-5005361,00.html?from=public_rss Jules leaves Loser with health risks] . Perth now, URL accessed April 19, 2007] An eating disorders support group, The Butterfly Foundation [http://www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/] , commenting on Chris's achievement, warned that such a dramatic weight loss could be a health risk. [cite news | first=Catherine | last=Lambert | coauthors= | title=Hit show slammed | date=April 22 2007 | publisher= | url =http://www.news.com.au/sundayheraldsun/story/0,21985,21597302-5006022,00.html | work =Herald-Sun | pages = | accessdate = 2007-04-22 | language = ]

Reviews

The length of the show compared to the American version was accused of being too "bloated" with over 3 hours of extra footage for each "episode" or week, but at the same time, the type of participants used in the show are a good change from regular reality television "wannabes". [Hassal, Greg [http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv-reviews/the-biggest-loser/2007/03/08/1173166876655.html The Biggest Loser] . The Sydney Morning Herald, March 9, 2007. URL accessed 24 April, 2007]

Television viewing and ratings

:"For full episode ratings, see: List of The Biggest Loser Australia (Season 2) episodes"The show averaged more than 1,000,000 viewers each night, peaking around 1.56 million viewers for one weigh-in show and 1.31 million viewers for one elimination show. [April 4, 2007 [http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21503432-5006014,00.html Extreme Biggest Loser] - noting ratings, and screen times. The Daily Telegraph, URL accessed April 20, 2007] The season premiere attracted only 1.17 million viewers compared to the first season premiere of 1.4 million, although depending on what was happening with the Cricket on Channel Nine, the total audience peaked at 1.45 million. [ [http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=225424 Cricket hits The Biggest Loser for a six] - February 5, 2007 ninemsn. URL accessed April 21, 2007] The ratings were considered a great success by the network, receiving a large portion of the target demographic (39.2% commercial share in demographic ages 18-49, and 42.6% of the 16-39 demographic). [ [http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/The-Biggest-Loser-returns-050207.html The Biggest Loser returns] . February 5, 2007. URL accessed April 21, 2007] The season finale was the ratings success, being the highest rating episode of the show and ranking number 1 for the day with 1,995,000 viewers. [ [http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/Nine-TV-Ratings-270407.html Ratings for Thursday April 26] . URL accessed 27 April, 2007]

The following are some of the ratings achieved from the highest rated episodes. Unless otherwise stated, sources are gathered from OzTAM as a primary or secondary source. [ [http://www.oztam.com.au/ OzTAM - Australian Television Audience Measurement] . URL accessed April 21, 2007]

Trivia

*Marty is the only contestant in all series of "The Biggest Loser" to enter the game three times and be voted out twice.
*Sarah was the first Australian contestant to quit just days into production [ [http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/back-and-bigger-than-ever/2007/01/31/1169919344312.html?page=fullpage Back, and bigger than ever] - Sarah quits "The Biggest Loser". The Age, URL accessed April 19, 2007] .
*Former contestant Cat from season 1 makes an appearance.
*Damien is the heaviest contestant over all "The Biggest Loser" series worldwide with a starting weight of 216.3kg.
*There were a few variations of the opening sequence of the show: the original version shown only during the first episode omit the new trainers, Shannan and Michelle; there is another version with the 14 original contestants, one including Laura and P'eta (who replaced Sarah and Sam), and one adding Chris and Kimberlie (which shortened the four trainer sequences for timing). Despite the fact there have been 18 competing contestants, the opening screen always stated "14 contestants".
*The final 4 contestants offered inspiration to four people entering the house that had similar personal backgrounds and characteristics. They were Claire (age 25, 114kg), Aaron (age 25, 160kg), Louise (age 31, 103kg) and Cameron (age 34, 150kg).
*The disclaimer shown at the end of each show states: "Our contestants were supervised while participating in this show. Their exercise regime was tailored to their medical status and specific needs. Consult your doctor before embarking on any diet or exercise program".

References

External links

Official websites
* [http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/ Official "The Biggest Loser" website]
* [http://www.bandtshirts.com.au/index.php?manufacturers_id=39 Official "The Biggest Loser" merchandise shop]

Resources
*Tv.com show|56677|The Biggest Loser 2
*

Contestants
* [http://www.chrisgarling.com/ Official "Chris Garling" website]
*MySpace|drelephant|Damien Wicks
*MySpace|courtney__jackson|Courtney Jackson
*MySpace|melrussell07|Mel Russell

Media releases and interviews
* [http://www.who.com/who/magazine/article/0,19636,7401070430-1612339,00.html WHO magazine interview with Marty Barrett]
* [http://www.who.com/who/magazine/article/0,19636,7401070430-1612344,00.html WHO magazine interview with Pati Singe]
* [http://www.who.com/who/magazine/article/0,19636,7401070430-1612335,00.html WHO magazine interview with Chris Garling]
* [http://www.who.com/who/interviews/article/0,19971,1608413,00.html WHO magazine interview with Courtney Jackson]
* [http://www.who.com/who/scoop/article/0,19971,1600840,00.html WHO magazine interview with Greg Koutsovidis and Mel Russell]
* [http://www.who.com/who/scoop/article/0,19971,1596416,00.html WHO magazine interview with Gerard]
* [http://www.who.com/who/scoop/article/0,19971,1592551,00.html WHO magazine interview with Michael Hinde]
* [http://www.who.com/who/scoop/article/0,19971,1591621,00.html WHO magazine interview with Kelly Donaghy-Lewis]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=260477 TVWEEK interview with Courtney]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=255442 TVWEEK interview with Mel]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=255451 TVWEEK interview with Greg]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=252990 TVWEEK interview with Gerard]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=230097 TVWEEK interview with P'eta]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=229582 TVWEEK interview with Michael]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=228350 TVWEEK interview with Kelly]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=227869 TVWEEK interview with Alex]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=227863 TVWEEK interview with Sam]
* [http://tvweek.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=226518 TVWEEK interview with Sarah]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=257370 Woman's Day Interview with Marty (1st time)]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=253245 Woman's Day Interview with Marty (2nd time)]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=261997 Woman's Day Interview with Munnalita]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=259553 Woman's Day Interview with Courtney]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=260266 Woman's Day Interview with Kimberlie]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=259551 Woman's Day Interview with Damien]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=255891 Woman's Day Interview with Laura]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=254395 Woman's Day Interview with Mel]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=254392 Woman's Day Interview with Greg]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=253247 Woman's Day Interview with Jules]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=229940 Woman's Day Interview with Gerard]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=229937 Woman's Day Interview with P'eta]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=229384 Woman's Day Interview with Michael]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=228150 Woman's Day Interview with Kelly]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=227135 Woman's Day Interview with Sam]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=226873 Woman's Day Interview with Alex]
* [http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=226819 Woman's Day Interview with Sarah]