Category: reality tv

Shanon Thomas
29
Pink Team
Partner: Helen Phillips (Mother)
Trainer: Bob
Massage Therapist
Centerline, MI

NBC Bio
Shanon is a very outgoing, animated and friendly person. Her love of her family and friends shines through. Shanon grew up as the oldest child of three; she always tried to set a good example for her younger brother and sister. Even though she struggled with her weight, she tried to stay active in high school sports. These days Shanon spends more time watching, tailgating or eating instead of playing sports. Shannon’s caring actions come through every day in her job as a massage therapist, but she feels she could make an even bigger impact on her clients once her weight is under control. She has been heavy her entire life and is ready to get on the right course. Shanon has developed some bad habits over the years and says she cannot help but get up for a midnight snack most nights.

Helen Phillips
47
Pink Team
Partner: Shanon Thomas (Daughter)
Trainer: Bob
Housewife
Sterling Heights, MI

NBC Bio
Helen is a very outgoing, friendly and caring mom of three. She has always put her friends and family before herself, which has left her with little time to care for her own needs, including a proper diet. Helen fell into the fast food routine; it was simple and worked with her busy schedule. She was not always heavy and once the weight was gained she found herself not able to enjoy the physical activities she once loved to do. Now instead of taking a hike, she finds herself sitting on the couch watching the Travel Channel while eating ice cream. Helen says she and her husband have become each other’s enablers and this only makes it harder to lose the weight. Helen and her husband keep the fridge stocked with all their favorite junk foods that she cannot resist. Helen knows she needs to be on the show to become a better role model for the people she loves, and above all, for herself.

Jerry Hayes
63
White Team
Partner: Estella Hayes (Wife)
Trainer: Jillian
Retired Engineer
Wheaton, IL

NBC Bio
“BIG JER” is the family’s chief; a leader, and a funny, fair, and all-around nice guy. He is dedicated and hardworking, as demonstrated through a 35-year engineering career and a second career in finance, as well as his active involvement with his family. Jerry enjoys being silly and playing with his grandkids. Until a few months ago, Jerry was walking three mornings a week for 30 minutes. Currently, he does not have an exercise routine apart from lawn care and walking around town with the family. Jerry eats on the road, snacking a lot, particularly at night. Jerry is also sensitive at times about his weight/appearance. He is looking forward to losing the weight as mobility is often difficult, particularly when playing on the ground with the grandkids and getting in and out of tight spaces. Jerry, a great guy to get to know, will be a tough competitor when he sets his goals!

Estella Hayes
63
White Team
Partner: Jerry Hayes (Husband)
Trainer: Jillian
Retired Nurse
Wheaton, IL

NBC Bio
Estella is a loving, caring, spiritual, and kind person. She can be very strong in times of crisis, or when she is passionate about something/someone. She often prioritizes caring for grandkids and out-of-town family and does not get regular exercise. Estella admits she can no longer hide behind her excuses as to why she cannot exercise or eat better. She confesses her love of baked goods; and says that providing lots of snacks around the house for grandkids and cooking for the family brings her comfort. Estella’s youngest sister passed away last year due to morbid obesity-related complications, adding a constant reminder of her own need to act quickly to be at a healthier weight. Estella loves to dance and music gets her motivated. She’s is ready to make drastic changes to have more energy to keep up with her soon-to-be-healthier hubby and her grandkids, who bring her great joy. Estella says, “I am not a shrinking violet!” So, watch out other contestants!

Carla Triplett
36
Grey Team
Partner: Joelle Gwynn (Best Friend)
Trainer: Bob
Assistant Bank Manager
Detroit, MI

NBC Bio
Carla is the second born out of four children. She struggled for attention by showing off, overeating and getting in trouble. Today Carla has one issue that she struggles with: her weight. Carla has lost weight on countless occasions; however, it always seems to find its way back. Carla refuses to work out with her husband because she feels that he is too hard on her. She truly wants to get in shape, live a healthy lifestyle with her husband and start their family. With a best friend like Joelle alongside her, pushing her to the limit, Carla’s goal of losing weight will be obtained.

Joelle Gwynn
41
Grey Team
Partner: Carla Triplett (Best Friend)
Trainer: Bob
Non-Profit Founder
Detroit, MI

NBC Bio
Joelle is a zealous and optimistic person who challenges herself and her listeners to “Stay Positive” through her non-profit Internet radio show “My Music – My Choice.” However, Joelle’s lifelong struggle with weight leaves her feeling far from positive. She has dieted all of her life, but when her emotions get riled up, so does her appetite! Joelle recently got a reality check after being diagnosed with high blood pressure and borderline diabetes. This really scared Joelle because heart disease runs rampant in her family. She now knows she must make a serious life change.

Dane Patterson
27
Black Team
Partner: Blaine Cotter (Cousin)
Trainer: Jillian
Real Estate Appraiser
Mesa, AZ

NBC Bio
Dane is the classic offensive lineman who played in high school and college, and was told to eat big and be big or get cut from the football team. In recent years it has been quite the opposite; he has been told to diet and lose weight or die a young death. Just five years ago Dane was a lean, mean machine, but since switching to that infamous desk job, he has found himself inching towards an obese 400 pounds.

Although Dane is 395 pounds, he still plays sports and is more athletic than anyone his size. Dane fears leaving his family at a young age, and because of his size it is possible that could be in the not-too-distant future. He has to do this, and the love of his family along with his competitive spirit will make sure that he is the Biggest Loser.

Blaine Cotter
27
Black Team
Partner: Dane Patterson (Cousin)
Trainer: Jillian
College Counselor
Mesa, AZ

NBC Bio
Blaine is a very big guy who not so long ago was thin and healthy. He is a perfect example of a loveable, friendly, loud and happy fat guy. He is a former athlete who always has to win. Blaine has a sense of humor, which, coupled with his demeanor, makes just about everyone he comes in contact with comfortable; he is the life of any party. Blaine has a beautiful family who love and support him. The health problems that Blaine has (diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol) can all be reduced or eliminated by losing weight. He has to do this for not only himself, but also for his wife and three children, as well as for his fourth child who is on the way! Six lives, not just one, will be changed forever.