The Biggest Loser

James Moore is the latest contestant to suddenly leave The Biggest Loser after choosing between continued weight loss and $30,000. The 22-year-old from South Australia played Temptation, where he was given the chance to either resist delicious, high-calorie foods and stay in the competition, or eat for the chance of winning $30,000. He consumed nearly 1,000 calories to receive the gold bullion, but didn’t know that his decision to keep the money would result in his immediate elimination from the show.

James, a struggling musician, has since spoken out about why he took the money — after losing both his parents at a young age, he wanted to ensure he had some financial security. In the post-elimination release James said, “I really do appreciate my position here at The Biggest Loser, it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s something that I do cherish, but at the same time I needed to think about my life outside of here when it’s over. I can’t just think about my physical life, but I have to consider my financial life outside of Camp Biggest Loser.” He started the show weighing in at 136kg and has since lost 34kg, and has also landed an administration job at Fitness First.

Do you think James made the right decision in taking the money?

Photo courtesy of Network Ten

Network Ten held its 2012 programming launch in Sydney last night to unveil its line-up of shows for the coming year. The big question on everyone’s lips was whether it would be bringing back The Renovators after what has so far been a less-than-impressive debut (it is), and whether rumours of a morning show would also prove to be true (it is). Ten is also bringing back Young Talent Time. Here are some more of the highlights:

Breakfast: Ten is introducing a morning show, Breakfast, to rival Sunrise on Seven and Today on Nine. The first of its hosts, Andrew Rochford, said at the launch, “Breakfast radio has taught me a great deal about how people want to start their day. They want the facts, but they want them in a light and entertaining way.” Sounds like the morning version of The 7PM Project, no?

Young Talent Time: Hoping to bank on the success of Glee and talent-finding programs, Ten is bringing back Young Talent Time, the show that introduced us to the likes of Dannii Minogue and Tina Arena. It will be co-produced by Mr. Johnny Young, the show’s original creator, and will be hosted by Rob Mills.

The Renovators: Ten’s chief programming officer, David Mott, said of their latest reality series, “So far the format has underperformed. But, it’s a brand we believe in so we are working directly with [production company] Shine to renovate The Renovators for 2011 and beyond.”

Puberty Blues: Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey’s popular coming-of-age book is coming to the small screen and will be filmed in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.

Keep reading . . .

The finale of The Biggest Loser: Families aired just over a week ago, and while the title didn’t go to either Leigh Westren or Lara Whalan, the couple seemed to have won in many other ways — especially when it came to being in fantastic shape for a future wedding. In April Lara told reporters that they were trying to save for a wedding and that they were considering magazine deals if it could help them, and in the most recent issue of Who she expressed how she wanted to spend one Summer in a bikini before having any children. But according to Woman’s Day that future is off the cards, with reports the couple have gone their separate ways. Lara apparently called off the relationship after telling friends she thought Leigh had spent a night with another woman following the finale, enjoying his new hot status after shedding almost 60kg during his time on the show. While Leigh denies he cheated on Lara and that they’ve broken up, Woman’s Day says his mother, Sharlene, has confirmed that they’re no longer living together.

This season of The Biggest Loser: Families came to an end last night with an exciting finale where we got to see all the contestants and their fabulous new bodies! Former model Emma Duncan was crowned The Biggest Loser (the second woman to win in the Australian version) after shedding 62.1kg, which equates to 46.38 percent of her original body weight. The sweetest thing about Emma’s success (aside from the $100,000 prize!) is that she lost most of her weight on her own after she had been eliminated from the competition the first time, and her trainer Tiffiny said, “You are such a warrior and I’m so proud of you.” There was also a second $100,000 prize to award the family that had lost the most combined weight, and the Westrens — Craig, Sharlene, Lara and Leigh — came out on top after losing a total of 193.4kg! Earlier in the night the family had reason to celebrate when Sharlene was given $20,000 for being the eliminated contestant who had lost the most of her original body weight. Congrats to Emma and the Westrens on their wins!