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The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants every step of the way as they compete for a grand prize of $200,000 through comprehensive diet and exercise. This un-scripted and life-altering reality series gathers contestants from across the country to face real-life temptations while being provided with approved weight-loss skills and resources in an effort to help them transform their bodies, health and ultimately their lives.

Here's a complete review of the 2007 series.

To watch the video recap of 2007 series click here

Week 1: The contestants enter the house, Courtney wins the first Temptation, the blue team are victorius at the Skywalk challenge, Sarah leaves the house, Sam is sidelined due to a medical condition and the Blues take out the first weigh-in, leaving Alex vulnerable at the first elimination. Read the Week 1 Recap.

Week 2: The red team win the Beach Volleyball match, Gerard takes temptation plus the chance to choose two new contestants, the Blues win the demanding Plane-pull challenge, but the red team is victorious on the scales, splitting the Blues who oust brave mum, Kelly. Read the Week 2 Recap.

Week 3: Greg dominates the Treadmill Challenge and the red team volunteer for The Commando; Pati's walk ends with Laura and Mel swapping teams; The Blues master the obstacle course but lose a close weigh-in, exposing Michael as the odd man out. Read the Week 3 Recap.

Week 4: The red team is victorious at the obstacle course, scoring access to secret DVD footage; Munnalita wins immunity at the Sushi Temptation; P'eta is ousted during a shocking surprise elimination; the Reds dominate on the scales; and Gerard's luck finally runs out. Read the Week 4 Recap.

Week 5: Laura dislocates her knee; the red team secures victory on Heartbreak Hill; Courtney's fast food feast leads to The Walk; Courtney hands immunity to Damien; The Reds come back to steal victory at the Basketball Challenge; the blue team finally wins a weigh-in, then become tie-breakers at the elimination, sending Marty home. Read the Week 5 Recap.

Week 6: Jules leaves the competition making way for Marty to return as Damien dictates new duos; Damien and Laura win the Hangman Challenge but it's Courtney and Munnalita who dominate the weigh-in leading to an elimination where Mel and Greg sent packing. Read the Week 6 Recap.

Week 7: The secretly trained Outsiders enter the house; Marty and Pati win the Timber Challenge; Chris and Kimberlie use their Walk to give the Commando to Courtney and Munnalita but it backfires at the Raft Challenge; and after a disappointing result at the weigh-in, Laura sacrifices herself at the elimination so that Damien can survive. Read the Week 7 Recap.

Week 8: Welcoming the American trainers back to the White House, the contestants all had slick make-overs before participating in a delicious but shortlived chocolate temptation; the Meriton Towers training session became a challenge, giving Damien precious time with his girlfriend, but after waving goodbye to the celebrity trainers, a disappointing weigh-in led to Marty's second elimination from the game. Read the Week 8 Recap.

Week 9: Six contestants traveled to New Zealand where they embarked on a marathon hike, faced their personal fears and emerged as stronger people; the 'adventure race' tested their stamina and determination but after a crucial calorie count, Damien was suddenly eliminated; the Final 5 returned home where low weight loss forced Courtney and Munnalita below the yellow line and eventually led to Courtney's elimination. Read the Week 9 Recap.

Week 10: Ten eliminated contestants competed for a Wildcard entry; Gerard won a prized white t-shirt at the medicine ball challenge; Greg was eliminated at the game’s last Temptation; the Commando gave the players won final session, preparing six players for the Superchallenge where Michael, Marty and Damien all won white t-shirts; Marty became a finalist at the Qualifying weigh-in but could not save Kimberlie from elimination. Read the Week 10 Recap.

Week 11: The players became the taskmasters during 'train the trainers' day before offering advice to four special white house guests; during the final challenge they had to dig for buried treasure; the last training session affected the final weigh-in which led to Munnalita's elimination; Jules received the Trainers Award and during the incredible finale, Michael won $50,000 before Chris became Australia's second Biggest Loser. Read the Week 11 Recap.

Week 1

Week I of Series 2 promised to be bigger and better than the 2006 competition, which became one of last year’s major television success stories.

Introduced to our 14 contestants, amazing stories were revealed, including Damien, a talented musician whose weight could only be described as life-threatening; Munnalita who desperately needed to lose kilos for the future success of her IVF treatment; and Jules, who had been plagued by heartbreaking personal loss.

The first weigh-in began an emotional process that brought viewers and contestants to tears. Sarah, our largest girl weighed in at 153.3 kilos, and saving the biggest till last, Damien realised that his massive 216.3 kilos meant he’d put on 10 kilos since he last checked his weight. He was shattered.

Gathering before Ajay the next morning, the characters were shocked when two Aussie trainers, Michelle and Shannan became a part of Biggest Loser folklore. Joining their Aussie protégés, Bob and Jillian soon led the contestants in a gruelling initial workout, which resulted in Gerard fainting on the lawn!

Driven to the beautiful Cremorne Orpheum Cinema, the 14 players were greeted by Ajay Rochester for their first challenge, where speedy sprints and calorie counting led the blue team to an uplifting victory, leaving the red team roughing it in tents. While they tried to laugh it off, Sarah threatened to leave the house. Inside, the Blues had their own dramas – Gerard had been whisked away to hospital! Luckily it was just a scare, but the Reds were not so lucky, with Sarah leaving the competition.

As Courtney singled Alex out as a weak link, Gerard’s tantrums in the blue camp were frustrating his trainers and team-mates. Courtney’s win at the first Temptation gave him unprecedented power, and after the introduction of the infamous new addition to the show – The Walk – he nominated Alex for special attention from tough trainer, Jillian.

Meeting Ajay Rochester at Hyde Park, our contestants were faced with a challenge on Sydney Tower, where Alex’s lack of stamina cost the red team dearly – a 5-kilo penalty at the first weigh-in. But the emotional dad had given it his all and required attention from the medic on completion of the course.

After being inspired by video message from last year’s contestants, the teams were psyched. Perhaps Alex used it to his advantage as he impressed Jillian during a one-on-one training session. Marty screamed his way through an intense last-minute workout and suffered an injury. It wasn’t enough to hold him back in the minor rowing challenge, scoring the opportunity to make Damien sit out of the weigh-in.

It was an inspirational day on the scales with Alex shedding 10.6-kilos and stunning his critics, while Damien’s work paid off – 13.1 kilos gone in just a week. But it was Mel’s weight that would determine the victors of the weigh-in and when she registered a 7.7-kilo loss, the Blues were ecstatic.

“You are fighting for your own survival,” Ajay told the red team in the elimination room. Vote after vote sealed Alex’s doom, and tragically, it was his good mate Marty’s vote that put the issue beyond doubt. Jillian was furious. For the blue team, an unforseen tragedy had shocked them to the core. Sam had been removed from the competition due to a mysterious ailment.

Contestant were dropping like flies during Week 1, illustrating the extreme pressures of the competition but if you think you’ve seen an end to the dramas, you’re about to get some massive surprises. Don’t miss a second of Week 2, when twists and turns provide an endless supply of suspense. The Biggest Loser continues on Network Ten.

Week 2

Week 2 of the 2007 series revealed more than fans had bargained for: more rivalries, more alliances and more twists.

The red team was demoralised after voting out, Alex, their Biggest Loser. It was time to rally and the Beach Volleyball match at Manly Beach was the perfect opportunity. A calorie-controlled dinner was up for grabs, but for the loser: a whole day of eating TV dinners. Marty showed his acrobatic skills in the second set plus some quality sledging and it came down to a tight third set. When the blue team failed to return Michelle’s serve, the Reds enjoyed a rare victory.

In blue camp, the girls were beginning to lose patience with Gerard and the pressure boiled over at the Pizza Temptation. An LCD TV, courtesy of LG was on offer but immunity was even more tempting. “I went straight in,” Gerard later admitted and his fellow Blues looked disgusted. “Don’t do it,” Damien urged Gerard but Gerard was determined to win immunity. “The walk will give you power over this game,” Ajay told Gerard, “never seen on The Biggest Loser”.

Gerard arrived at the picturesque location and 4 potential additions to the household appeared. It was to be Gerard’s choice. “That’s power!” he said before choosing two stone tablets revealing the names of Laura and P’eta. “Either of you can now become The Biggest Loser,” Ajay told the new additions as they were introduced to the teams.

Pulling a 9-tonne DC3 aircraft 150 metres was a seemingly impossible major challenge but letters from relatives were up for grabs making the players determined. As Bob had predicted, ‘Damien was the king,’ taking much of the burden. When tragedy struck the red team – ropes getting caught under the wheel of their plane – the blue team overtook them to win. Greg was distraught: “This is reality TV,” he yelled as he openly wept, “I’m telling you I really wanted that letter.”

Bob convinced the blue team to ‘tame’ P’eta rather than opt for the easy-going Laura but it would be Bob’s last influence over his beloved Blues. “The time has finally come for Jillian and I to go back to America,” he revealed. “You brought something out of me that I knew was in there,” Munnalita confessed to Jillian during a sad farewell while Bob called Damien, ‘one of the strongest people I’ve seen’.

At the weigh-in, Laura had lost an incredible 4 kilos but others were disappointed. When Greg had only shed 3.9 kilos, he asked, “What’s going on?” A combined loss of 21.7 kilos didn’t seem enough to for the Reds to win. Michael even called it, ‘a substandard effort’. But when it was left up to Damien to lead the team to victory, he had only lost 2.2 kilos. “It just hurts to look at the screen really,” the largest competitor said, truly devastated as the red team celebrated.

On one side, Jules, Mel and Damien had become close; on the other side, Kelly, Michael and Gerard had formed a pact, but in the elimination room, strategies fell apart. Neither of Kelly’s allies followed her lead while the supposed alliance all revealed votes for Kelly. The irony came when Kelly’s talk of a rival alliance prompted Damien to deny having forged any pact. “My boys would like to see my face,” said the emotional mum, determined to continue her personal journey as she left the White House.

Week 3

During Week 3, workouts, game play and strategies were intensified as teams were divided by alliances. The Walk delivered a shocking twist that both teams struggled to accept and yet another big loser was ousted.

Still reeling from the elimination of Kelly, the blue team met the Reds for a minor challenge. 3 versus 3, the teams walked a marathon on the treadmills and after more than 2 hours, it was Michael and Greg left. “Once you come off there, I’m going to go for another 5 minutes,” Greg teased. True to his word, Greg sprinted at 20kms per hour to finish, winning a Cardio Gym from Workout World.

The red team volunteered for The Commando whose motto was, “You were born into the world, not to find yourself, but to create yourself”. Marty clashed with the militant taskmaster but admitted, “the weird thing is that when it was over, we wanted more”. Back at the house, a Temptation appeared: chocolate, literally pouring from a fountain. As Pati cruised to an easy victory, her hesitant challenger, Michael, was criticised by his peers. “I don’t know what his tactic was,” said a confused Munnalita.

During Pati’s Walk, Ajay delivered a shocking announcement: “the bonds that have been made are about to be broken”. The anxious Red was given the order: swap a blue team member for a red. “I’d love to pull the bond between Damien, Mel and Jules apart,” she admitted, and Pati was true to her word. “The blue team member I’ve decided to swap is Mel,” she said as anger erupted among the blue team.

At the beach, teams gathered at an obstacle course. “You are about to mount a beach assault,” Ajay announced. The Blues’ strategy was superior but as he climbed to reach the blue flag, Michael fell from a great height, having to remount to beat Mel during a close finish. For the Reds, emotional anguish turned to joy when the Blues shared their prize. Everyone was given the chance to make contact with family and friends but The Reds lost their trainer for the last chance workout.

On the sales, the Blues made a terrible start. “Gee wiz,” said Gerard, “we’re going to lose this,” but Jules’ loss of 3.1 kilos signalled a minor comeback. Michael stunned his critics and Damien’s huge 7.2-kilo loss gave the Reds a challenge. The red team was consistent but after Greg only shed 2.5 kilos it was all up to Marty. The larrikin had lost 4.4 kilos and after confirmation from Ajay, the team celebrated their second victory on the scales.

The Blues were in disarray. “I feel I’m on the outer,” Michael said, and soon his concern was confirmed as P’eta lifted the lid on her nomination, revealing his name. The votes continued – two for Michael and two for Gerard. “I agonised over this,” said Jules. It was the third vote for Michael and he was shattered, barely able to compose himself. After an emotional farewell to Damien, Michael left the house, still wiping away tears. For P’eta the emotions of the day intensified when she discovered she’d been sacked! Shannan offered support during a true low point for the tough Blue.

Week 4

Reeling from another devastating elimination, the blue team wondered when their luck might change, but as Week 4 presented a new set of challenges and twists, they soon realised their luck could get even worse.

When teams were led to the back paddock of the White House estate, Damien and co. couldn’t have been more insecure. Ajay’s obstacle course would determine who would get The Commando plus secret DVD footage from within the house. Greg and Gerard clashed after a war of words but it was Mel who prevailed on the course, winning the Challenge for her new team. Both teams watched the secret footage of kitchen activity with a good sense of humour but tempers became frayed when Greg was seen nabbing a whole tray of meat!

Driven to a Sushi restaurant early the next morning, the contestants lined up in front of Ajay who revealed the list of prizes including a Spring-free trampoline, DVD player, barbeque, 5 relaxing massages, or the option for the winner to make a DVD for loved ones. When it became a ‘free for all’ those at the front snatched every plate, leaving the girls at the end with nothing. Courtney, Greg, Damien and P’eta ended up having the right coloured plates, but it was Munnalita who scored immunity. 

In what was possibly the most emotionally demanding episode in Biggest Loser history, Jules revealed her heartbreaking story of personal hardship and Munnalita embarked on The Walk: a journey that would mean the downfall of a brave contestant. “I don’t think the walk contains power,” had P’eta had claimed, but when Munnalita returned with an order to eliminate a female from the competition, ironically, it was P’eta who was sacrificed!

At the major challenge, the teams were faced with the ultimate furniture removal job to see who would choose a Red to join the blue team. Supervised by an expert from Valiant Hire, they moved a house full of furniture into the identical home next door. Secretly, Mel hoped she would return to the Blues but it was the Reds who worked well as a team and won by a few minutes. All was left was a comical race for 6 LG prizes and the red team’s important decision. Taking pity on an unhappy Mel, she was sent back to where she belonged.

“If we lose this weigh-in I’m pretty sure I’ll be voted off,” Gerard predicted before teams gathered for the week’s main event. Damien began with a massive 6.7-kilo loss and Gerard’s 4.2 kilos kept the momentum rolling. Jules pushed the combined total up, shedding an incredible 3.7-kilo and it looked as though they’d done enough to secure a rare victory on the scales. But the Reds were unbeatable, including Marty’s 4.8 kilos and when Greg smashed the target with a loss of 5.7 kilos, the Blues were sent to the elimination room.

Damien, Mel and Jules, the blue team’s obvious power brokers, held the balance in the elimination room. Ajay urged the team to be strategic but once again, they voted with their hearts, sending the composed Gerard packing. The evening became an uplifting affair full of beautiful compliments and praise as his ex-team-mates gave him a fitting farewell. But Shannan wasn’t in agreement when he heard the news. Week after week, the Blues were sabotaging their chances to win.

Week 5

With Gerard gone, the more streamlined Blues were suddenly left with one bloke to perform well on the scales. Things weren’t looking good and they were about to get worse.

Stripped of all gym equipment, the contestants were shattered but when Laura fell on the lawn with a dislocated knee, the blue team hit rock bottom. Meeting on Heartbreak Hill, players had to run up and down 100 times while clutching a 5-kilo weight. Courtney and Pati finished the final lap together, securing another Red victory but both teams and trainers ran beside Damien on the last leg of the race, calling him an ‘inspiration’ during an unbelievable example of human spirit.

Steve Willis arrived at 1am the next morning, sneaking into the White House and forcing the Blues to suffer a late-night workout. Laura soon cracked. “You don’t know what I’ve been through,” she screamed. At Temptation she was feeling vulnerable, battling with Damien and Courtney to eat the most fast food. Ajay revealed the highest calorie intake: Courtney with a whopping 2,280 calories. Once again, the blue team had lost control of The Walk.

The following day, Jules’ irregular heartbeat forced her to seek the medic. Off she went to hospital with worried contestants waving to her as the ambulance left the estate. Meanwhile, Michelle’s anger over her red team’s behaviour at the Temptation boiled over when Munnalita, a self-confessed chocoholic reacted to the criticism. Teams gathered on the lawn of the White House to hear that Courtney was forced to hand immunity to a blue team member. “We would vote out any other red team member before voting for you,” Damien offered, brokering a deal. All were shocked to hear that Courtney had chosen Damien’s name out of a hat but despite the change in plans Damien promised: “The deal still stands”.

At the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Ajay met the teams on a basketball court for a tough match. The winning team would decide who from the Reds would sit out of the weigh-in, so stakes were high. Driven by emotion, Munnalita scored goals and impressed her team as the Reds came back from a massive deficit to win on the buzzer.

The Gym equipment was back and just in time. Shannan drove the Blues harder than ever with high-intensity weight training but Munnalita insisted: “I have no doubt that the Reds will win the weigh-in”. Courtney lost an amazing 6.3 kilos while Marty chipped in with another outstanding effort: 6.7 kilos. “Na, they can’t do this; they can’t win,” said Courtney as the Blues faced a daunting task: dropping 20.1 kilos. But Damien’s 7.9-kilo loss, Mel’s 4.5-kilo loss and Laura’s 5.5-kilo effort led to an uplifting victory, while the Reds regretted sitting Courtney out of the weigh-in.

“There might be a bit of bloodshed,” Courtney revealed on the eve of an elimination. Two small alliances battled it out and when the whole nation looked to Pati to be the team’s tiebreaker, it seemed she was about to disappoint both alliances. “This is the first time it’s happened on The Biggest Loser in Australia,” Ajay said as votes ended in a 2-all tie, and suddenly the blue team had the power. When Damien appeared in the elimination room, his decision was expected. “Strategically for us, we’ve voted for Marty,” he announced. “I’ve been stabbed in the back,” Marty said as left the house, crying.

Week 6

The Blues were shattered by losses, injuries and the uncertain future of Jules, but soon the teams would no longer matter as favourites floundered and new strengths emerged.

With Jules in hospital, the Blues were down to a trio, causing more dismay within their ranks, but there were more trials to come. “Red team and blue team no longer exits,” Ajay announced to the shocked players before updating the leaders board. The Top 3 were remarkable over-achievers: Mel at third, Damien at second and in first place, Greg with a percentage of weight loss that represented almost a fifth of his original weight. Jules returned but only to say goodbye. “This is the right decision for me,” she said as every contestant rallied around her.

Introducing ‘The Powerballs Challenge’, our host revealed: “The winner will be rewarded with the power to choose who is paired with who. It soon became apparent that Damien was the one player everybody trusted. In helping him to win, not only did they give him control, but also an LG 32 Plasma TV and Notebook Computer. Not a bad day’s work for Damo!

In the weigh-in room, the largest competitor dictated new combos, matching Mel with Greg and Courtney with Munnalita, leaving Pati on her own. “I’ve chosen Laura to be my partner,” he finally announced, rewarding the much-improved player. “We are about to even up the numbers,” Ajay suddenly announced, welcoming Marty back.

The results of Mel’s MRI scan were devastating: a stress fracture that made it tough for her to train with The Commando. As they finished the session, Steve gave them all credit for improving. The players arrived for the Hangman Challenge. It was a massive effort for the boys as they winched their partners up and down innumerable times. While Munnalita came to a standstill, Damien and Laura celebrated a well-deserved victory, bonding and making a great team.

At the weigh-in, Laura only contributed 1.3 kilos to her duo’s cause while Greg’s loss of 6.5 kilos was inspiring. Marty’s massive 7.6-kilo loss and Pati’s amazing 5.1-kilo contribution put them in first place. “You need a combined weight loss of at least 10.3 kilos,” Ajay advised Courtney and Munnalita. Courtney got them off to an incredible start with 6 kilos but what came next stunned the nation: a 9-kilo loss, sending Munnalita’s weight plunging to 97.9 kilos.  Suddenly, the duo scored the opportunity to have control over the double elimination. 

“Welcome to your first ever double elimination,” Ajay said as the players arrived. Suddenly surprised by his own emotions, Courtney revealed a predictable vote for Greg & Mel, soon backed up by his partner in crime, Munnalita. “Pati, it’s all come down to you,” Ajay said solemnly. “I could only follow my heart,” she replied, voting for Greg and Mel. But there was no bitterness from one of the game’s most fierce competitors. Instead Greg delivered an uplifting speech, leaving the house on a high note with Mel at his side.

Week 7

With two of the strongest competitors out of the competition, the players imagined life might get a little easier, but the game was about to deliver another twist: the arrival of The Outsiders.

Both of the invaders had been secretly training with The Commando and when they finally arrived at the white house, they weighed in. At 121.5 kilos, Kimberlie had lost an impressive 20.3 kilos and when the scales showed Chris’118.2 kilos it meant he had shed 31.3 kilos during his journey. “I’m just keen to get up and get going,” he announced to a very attentive audience of worried competitors.

At the next challenge the contestants had to move 16 tonnes of wood by hand. Chris and Kimberlie revealed a flair for strategy, adopting a go-slow approach, pacing themselves. After five hours in the heat, Marty and Pati dropped their last load of timber and embraced, winning a holiday to Vanuatu.

“It’s giving them an unfair advantage,” Marty complained as The Outsiders prepared to take The Walk and influence the game. Back at the house, the pair tried to portray themselves as the victims of a twist, but they were already planning to cleverly use their selection. Using the excuse of ‘making it an even playing field’, The Outsiders gave The Commando to Munnalita and Courtney, secretly hoping the duo would suffer.

“Kim and I have never really gelled,” Chris admitted, and it became obvious at the Raft Challenge. Ajay warned that the last placed duo would suffer a 1-kilo penalty. The Commando arrived to help Munnalita and Courtney during the challenge while Chris and Kimberlie struggled. The Commando was there at the finish line, urging Munnalita and Courtney on as they came first. Luckily for the newcomers, they were able to push their raft across the line ahead of Damien and Laura. Everyone was shattered, having been so keen to strip the Greys of their immunity.

At the weigh-in Chris achieved a brilliant loss of 6.4 kilos. Laura’s 1.3 kilos immediately made her duo vulnerable and when Damien had shed just 3.9 kilos, the writing was on the wall. The nation was shocked by Munnalita’s result when the former chocoholic remained on exactly the same weight. It meant that Pati and Marty had miraculously stayed above the yellow line. Ajay had yet another ace up her sleeve: “only one contestant below the yellow line will be going home”.

While Marty considered revenge, he also listened to Laura’s plea to save Damien. “So you’re putting your hand up?” he asked and Laura nodded her head. In another act of integrity, he put his differences aside and granted Laura’s wish, delivering the decisive vote at the elimination and saving Munnalita who would have been sent home if the result had been a hung vote. “I came in a girl and I’m going out a woman,” Laura explained as each of her friends gave her a fitting farewell speech that would inspire her to continue her personal journey.

Week 8

It was a week of metamorphosis as the final seven players greeted the returning American trainers, underwent amazing transformations and suffered shocks on the scales.

“It’s exactly what all of us need,” said Munnalita as Bob and Jillian returned to the White House at the request of the Aussie trainers. The seven players travelled to Jo Bailey’s hair salon and let a different team of experts prepare the new-look players for a Womens Day photo shoot. Damien and Courtney both lost their facial hair while Pati dolled up like a Diva.

After a glimpse at themselves as fashion models, the players were more than willing to participate in a little Temptation. Munnalita’s eyes lit up as the players walked into a room full of 1,000 chocolates. Marty was on his toes, stalking his first choice, and accidentally knocked one over. In a freakish act of chance, it was the winning chocolate and Marty scored immunity at a very low cost.

The contestants were feeling proud and accomplished after their monumental training session, climbing 73 flights of stairs at the Meriton World Tower. That’s when Ajay suddenly appeared. “You will sprint up every step of the World Tower one more time,” our host announced before providing an incentive: one-on-one time with loved ones. After huge efforts they lined up to find out who the winner would be. Finally, after much suspense, Ajay revealed that Damien would be rewarded. “You smashed your time by an astounding 1 minute and 54 seconds,” she said, congratulating the courageous player.

Bob and Jillian looked deflated, knowing they were about to leave the house again but at least Bob had a chance to see Damien slip into a pair of jeans at the makeover. “I was so glad to be there for that,” he said with a huge smile. The parting was sad but for two players, the weigh-in would be more devastating. Kimberlie’s 4.8-kilo loss was just what she needed but she was soon trumped by Chris’ amazing loss of 7 kilos. But the real shocks were still to come. Firstly, Damien gained 2.4 kilos and with a gain of 1.1 kilos, Marty lost his immunity. “This is unbelievable,” he said, knowing it would be difficult for him to survive the elimination.

“I think I need to be here,” Damien explained to Ajay in the elimination room while Marty shrugged his shoulders when asked about his weight-gain. After two votes, Munnalita brought Marty’s journey to an end, this time for good. Marty took the news well and only cried when he was touched by Damien’s respectful tribute. There was a particularly tender moment when Marty embraced Courtney and the ousted player said, “it’s good to see you’ve changed; you’ve turned into a top bloke”.

“Each one of you will soon be going on a massive journey,” Ajay told the remaining 6 contestants before they flew to picturesque Queenstown in New Zealand – a dreamy location where Courtney rightly recalled, “that’s the place where they do all the extreme sports”. Waiting for them at beautiful Cedar House was their training team. “Michelle and I have been here, road-testing everything,” Shannan explained. “It’s going to be a massively liberating time for these guys,” Michelle said, looking forward to helping each contestant to push not only physical but psychological barriers.

Week 9

Six contestants travelled to New Zealand’s adventure playground to face fears and overcome psychological hurdles. With the help of Shannan and Michelle, the week offered uplifting moments of perseverance and bravery.

The contestants travelled to the idyllic mountain region of Queenstown to conquer their fears. Embarking on a special hike, a series of signposts represented weeks in the house and their weight loss for each week would be added to their backpacks. It was monumental effort and one that became an emotional awakening as they battled to reach the peak.

The players were about dive, climb and swoop out of their comfort zones. Kimberlie lost her hold during a rock climb and screamed but Shannan wouldn’t let her give up. “Kim, face it!” he yelled and that’s exactly what she did. The world’s biggest canyon swing was almost too much for Courtney. Finally, he trusted the equipment, leaned back and plunged into a new destiny. Chris was feeling better after a few days of sickness but the ‘Fly By Wire’ soon made him feel nauseous again. Shannan was quick to point out that Chris had learnt about his own self-destructive trait.

Hardly an experienced canyoner, Pati was petrified of the prospect. But soon she was laughing as her journey over waterfalls, off cliffs and down rapids continued. Not only did Pati master the canyons, she actually loved it. Shannan took Damien to a sheer rock wall. The 30-metre challenge looked impossible but after slipping, he bolted to the top with renewed vigour. Munnalita almost walked away from her bungy jump but finally she yelled, ‘I just want to be free’ and took the plunge. “I felt fantastic,” she later explained as her emotions came to the surface. 

The players faced a 10 kilometre ‘adventure race’ with a twist at the end: a calorie count. The loser would be eliminated immediately. Courtney led until the kayak paddle that tangled him in the rapids allowing Chris to cruise by. But with an amazing comeback Pati came second, just seconds behind the leader. Courtney arrived soon after, grabbing a good choice at the calorie count while Munnalita left Damien a tough choice. The eggs or the sausage? Damien chose the wrong option and suddenly he was flying away in helicopter as shocked contestants waved goodbye.

Soon the Final 5 were facing an important weigh-in that would be tough to predict after an unusual week in New Zealand. Low but consistent figures made the event competitive but Courtney faltered, losing just 800 grams and heading straight to elimination with Munnalita. “This is my worst nightmare,” said Pati, forced to choose between her friends.

“I wish I didn’t have a vote,” said Pati as the moment of truth arrived. Courtney quickly decided that self-sacrifice was the honourable thing to do, offering his place for Munnalita. In the elimination room, Courtney had his wish granted and it was an emotional farewell to one of the most entertaining characters in the house. Munnalita paid tribute to Courtney’s loyalty. He embraced his best friend, whispering, ‘you have to win this’.

Week 10

With Courtney eliminated from the game, three players focused on the ultimate prize – to become Australia’s next Biggest Loser – but Munnalita, Pati, Kimberlie and Chris were about to be shocked by the game’s final twist.

Ten eliminated contestants suddenly returned, all vying for one last chance to become The Biggest Loser. Weighing in for the first time since their eliminations, the nation was shocked by their incredible progress. After a rigorous workout the players competed in a challenge where each of them balanced while holding medicine balls. The last contestant standing would win one of 5 prized white t-shirts. Gerard surprised all by outlasting Kelly to claim the Bankwest cash prize and guarantee himself a place in the Qualifying Weigh-in.

At Temptation, Ajay presented six covered plates that hid great incentives plus the most important prizes: a white t-shirt or instant elimination. Greg shocked all by joining five other contestants in a dash for the plates. In the end, it all came down to Greg and Laura and it was the youngster who scored the white shirt. “I’m so upset,” Greg admitted. “I know I’ve just lost my second chance.”

The Commando arrived for his last training session, taking the players to a hellish obstacle course. For the militant taskmaster, watching the team push, pull and carry a mountain of tyres through the course was a real eye-opener as he marvelled at major improvements in Damien, Laura and Courtney. The latter selflessly helped a struggling Kelly through the course, showing how far he’d come since entering the house.

“This is D-day,” said Michael as the returned contestants faced a true marathon: the Superchallenge. The returned contestants ran up a mountainous sand dune, were tested by a question on nutrition and finished each lap with a swim. Once again, Courtney acted with generosity, revealing the correct answer to Damien after failing the quiz. While Michael led the race, closely followed by Marty, Damien was in a crucial third position and held onto it despite a late charge from Courtney. Suddenly the three largest competitors were back in the hunt for the title.

At the all-important qualifying weigh-in, Gerard’s loss of 4.3 kilos set the pace. Michael wasn’t sure if he could beat that figure but at 115.8 kilos, he’d lost an amazing 5.1 kilos. “Marty you need have lost at least 4.9 kilos to beat Michael,” Ajay announced. When the scales showed a loss of 7.6, the jovial character was back in with a chance of winning the title.

Joined by a victorious qualifier, the black shirts competed in the second weigh-in of the night. Kimberlie’s loss of 5.2 kilos and Pati’s 4.6 kilos seemed enough to keep them in the game. “I’ve got no chance,” said Chris but a loss of 7.9 kilos put him in first place. Munnalita’s weight would determine the outcome and at 86 kilos (a loss of 6.3 kilos) it turned the leaders board upside down. Suddenly Marty, Munnalita and Chris had the power.

In the elimination room, Pati relied on friendships: the strong one between herself and Munnalita, and the broken one between Chris and Kimberlie. ‘Ding dong, the witch is dead,’ Chris said with glee as he voted for Kimberlie while Munnalita came to Pati’s rescue with another vote for Kimberlie. But the eliminated contestant had achieved her personal goals during her journey and left, safe in the knowledge that she would never be morbidly obese again.

Week 11

Four determined characters competed for the right to stand on the scales at the finale and possibly win a massive $200,000. But with one more elimination looming, the dramas were far from over.

After ten weeks of exhausting workouts, it was time for the finalists to have their revenge. It was ‘train the trainers’ day and both taskmasters were pushed through rigorous drills that left them panting for air. As a sign of how far they’d come, the finalists then offered inspiring guidance to four overweight visitors to the White House and even trained them in the Biggest Loser gym.

During the last challenge of the competition, the players had to dig deep, literally! Shifting tonnes of sand, Pati was first to uncover a treasure trove with a difference: sentimental items that made the event a profound reckoning. Biggest Loser application forms, old family photos and letters from loved ones made the finalists realise how far they’d come in such a short time.

The last day in the White House arrived and it would be a memorable one. Shannan and Michelle had mixed feelings as they pushed the players through one last workout before the crucial weigh-in that would affect the final elimination. On the scales, the former red team members hoped to force Chris below the yellow line and save Pati who had lost only 600 grams. But the conspiracy failed when Munnalita could only manage a 1.6-kilo loss placing herself and good friend Pati in danger.

In the elimination room, Chris and Marty dictated the Final 3 by revealing votes for Munnalita. It had been an incredible journey and she vowed to match the eventual winner’s weight loss percentage at the finale. “One of you will win the money, but I’ll win the title,” she warned them. Leaving in style, the three finalists climbed into limousines and travelled home where stunned loved ones could hardly believe the amazing transformations.

Having contributed to the metamorphosis of each contestant, Shannan and Michelle had one more duty to perform: the special Trainers Award. When Jules saw the duo at her front door she instantly became emotional. Jules’ story of personal loss had touched Shannan and he was pleased to reward her with a brand new Suzuki Grand Vitara. “No way!” Jules cried in disbelief. “You’re giving me a car?”

The blood, sweat and tears of 18 colourful characters had produced incredible results and during a truly grand Finale, the amazing final weigh-ins exceeded all expectations. True to her word, Munnalita returned, sporting her hot new figure, but it was Michael who scored the $50,000 as the eliminated contestant with the highest percentage of weight loss.

The Final 3 climbed the scales to determine who would become Australia’s second Biggest Loser. With a loss of 65.9 kilos, Marty would be tough to beat. Pati couldn’t better his score but all eyes were on the skinny young fellow who had defied all odds to retain his black t-shirt. “Chris, you need to have lost at least 61.4 kilos to become The Biggest Loser,” Ajay explained, but with a loss of 70.1 kilos, the youngster smashed the target figure.

“The winner of The Biggest Loser for 2007, Chris!” Ajay announced as the youth’s family flooded the stage. It was pandemonium and Chris could hardly put his happiness into words, $200,000 richer and also receiving an amazing gym from Workout World.