MOVE over Michelle Bridges, Shannan Ponton has another work out partner in crime.
Sydney-based trainer Libby Babet has been hand-picked to join Ponton on screens as Ten commissions a new season of weight-loss series The Biggest Loser to air in 2017.
While Fiona Falkiner will also return as host, Bridges and fellow trainer Steve “Commando” Willis have opted not to take part in the latest season.
Titled The Biggest Loser: Transformed, in its 11th season the show promises to take a new approach to helping overhaul the lives and fitness of not just the contestants, but viewers watching at home.
“The biggest difference for me this time around is that the show is going to be much more relatable to a wider audience,” said Ponton.
Shannan Ponton has a new training partner in crime in Libby Babet. Picture: Kristi MillerSource:News Corp Australia
That starts in the casting process, which the duo will play a crucial part in.
In previous seasons contestants were all in the morbidly obese category.
However in 2017 The Biggest Loser team is looking for more relatable every day Australians to take part.
From mums who’ve never put their own health first to ex-athletes who have gradually added the pounds, Ponton and Babet are keen to encourage people who may think they’re “too small” for the series to put their hands up.
The Biggest Loser Trainers Libby Babet and Shannan Ponton are ready to roll. Picture: Kristi MillerSource:News Corp Australia
“You don’t have to be 180 kilos for bad health or bad habits to adversely affect your life,” said Ponton.
“Rather than just the people who are 200 plus kilos, we want people who are on the slide — and if something doesn’t come up now then they’re going to end up super unhealthy and overweight in the future.”
Personal trainer Babet is jumping for joy at joining the hit reality series. Picture: Kristi MillerSource:News Corp Australia
“We want to empower those people,” adds Babet.
“There will also be a strong mindset component to this series.
“So often people who are starting to get quite overweight, it’s not just a body issue, it’s about putting your mind in the right place.
“So anyone who feels like they’re going down that hole as well, apply, because we’d love to help them change the paradigm and step into a new version of themselves — body, mind and spirit.”
Fiona Falkiner will also return to hosting duties in the revamped format. Picture: Kristi MillerSource:Supplied
The revitalised format will also take advantage of advancements of health and fitness as well as an increased emphasis on nutrition.
“It’s about a more positive, holistic and exciting experience that is going to make people WANT to train and be healthy, rather than thinking they SHOULD,” said Babet.
Despite opting not to return to the series, both Bridges and Willis have put their support behind the return of The Biggest Loser, crediting the series for helping both achieve their dreams.
“Working with the contestants was always a humbling and challenging experience,” said Willis.
“No matter how many seasons I did, each time I continued to be amazed by a person’s capacity to change their life when they set their mind to it.”
“It has been a privilege and an honour to have had this role on The Biggest Loser and to have been welcomed into Australian homes each week,” added Bridges.
“It’s thanks to you all that we were able to change so many lives.”
