Anna Kournikova Declines 'Biggest Loser' Return
Tennis star Anna Kournikova will not be returning to NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” after having served as a trainer on the show for just one season.
After fitness mogul Jillian Michaels left the show, Kournikova announced that she was joining last May.
“I enjoyed my time on ‘The Biggest Loser’ ranch,” Kournikova said Monday in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “Although I will not be returning as a full time trainer on season 13, I will always be part of ‘The Biggest Loser’ family and my commitment to bettering lives through health and fitness will continue.”
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According to staffers at the reality television series, Kournikova and those working behind the scenes on “The Biggest Loser” had their differences. Reports indicate that the athlete was insensitive about contestants and their weight problems, according to THR.
One source from the show called Kournikova “a nightmare,” and said that contestants found her to be hasty. Kournikova’s predecessor Michaels was comforting, encouraging, and uplifting, where the tennis star would tell the overweight contenders about her tough upbringing when they became discouraged with training.
Kournikova was a part of a team of trainers and hosts including Alison Sweeney, Bob Harper, and Dolvett Quince.
“The Biggest Loser” has kicked off each of its past 12 seasons with 15 unhealthy contestants competing to lose the most weight. Winners who lose the most are deemed the biggest loser and receive a cash prize. There are many different variations of the show in countries around the world, but each has the same goal for its contestants.
On next week’s episode, contestants will face a holiday temptation challenge where they must remain healthy during a Thanksgiving feast.
“The Biggest Loser” airs Tuesday on NBC at 8 p.m. EST.
