And so it begins…

Click here to watch the Sneak Peek on the official site.

I’m trying to keep my enthusiasm in check but after watching that Sneak Peek I have to admit I am intrigued!

Of course I don’t really believe the spiel Mr Voiceover Man gives about there being no twists or turns. I’d really like to believe they’ve learned their lesson by now but I think the simple truth is they won’t be able to help themselves.

But on the less doom-and-gloom side… how great do their “Masterclass” sessions look?! That’s pretty much what many of us have been asking for them to do for the last couple of seasons!

The people behind Biggest Loser production each year were also involved with Masterchef Australia, so it’s fairly apparent where the concept came from. The Masterclasses on Masterchef were also some of the most fun and interesting shows each week as it was less about “strategy” and manufactured drama and much more focused on practical advice to the budding chefs. And now, practical advice to the budding thin people!

The Sneak Peek says there’ll be 10 new couples, meaning a total of 20 people, for the math challenged among you. Will there be a “stranger couple” as there was in the last US series? Dunno. Wouldn’t be surprised, though.

Couplings that are listed: Brothers! Husbands and Wives! Best mates! LESBIANS!

That last one could be all in my head. One girl has her hand on the other’s thigh in a very familiar fashion…

Of course it could just be in sympathy as she will be the biggest female contestant in Biggest Loser history. The record is “currently” held by Amanda from last year with a starting weight of 170.4kg. The new girl honestly doesn’t look as big as Amanda, but you can only see the new contestant’s upper body… One to keep an eye on, in any event.

Brand new host! But that’s not really new. It’s Hayley Lewis, ex-Olympic swimmer, mum of two and reportedly battler of weight issues in recent times. You won’t know it to look at her on the show, however.

One of the Loser contestants appears to be Santa. Watch the Sneak Peek. You’ll see who I mean.

Shannan and Michelle are back (duh!), Commando Steve is back (yay!) and… there’s absolutely no sign of Emazon. Woo-freaking-hoooooooo!

Lots of talk about the weigh-ins, too. Huge amounts will be lost, records will be smashed, manboobs will be flaunted, all the usual things you’ve come to expect.

The Masterclasses are introduced as being how to get the most out of exercise and teaching them how to cook with the help of the best chefs, advice from the best doctors, etc. The “biological age” test makes a comeback but now with flashy TV monitors instead of that guy drawing on a piece of paper on their chest… It’s unclear if the same guy is back or if they’ve replaced him with technology.

Tougher challenges, more tempting temptations and… yes, voting will be tough again. Particularly for the people who put their faith in friendships rather than strategy!

No tricks, no twists, no turns. It’s back to basics.

And as the ultimate test at the end of the show the contestants will do battle with the “legendary” 42km Marathon.

I assume those who don’t make it will be fed to the lions, as is traditional.