The Biggest Loser Will Return in January, Couples Will Compete

If you're a fan of The Biggest Loser, you can thank the writers strike for this one:

The Biggest Loser's fifth season will return on January 1st, just a couple of weeks after the show's fourth season finale on December 18.  In the past, fans have waited for months for the show to return.

According to an NBC press release, The Biggest Loser 5 will have a new twist:  

For the first time ever in the history of the show, the excitement will double - it's couples! Teams of two will compete against each other rather than individuals. These teams -- including a mother and son, husband and wife, a divorced couple, best friends and brothers -- already have a special bond so they're playing not only for themselves, but also for their loved one.

The press release mentions that trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels will be back for season 5.  There was no mention of Kim Lyons.  Alison Sweeney will return as host.

Photo of trainer Jillian Michaels courtesy of NBC.