Jillian Michaels is leaving 'The Biggest Loser'

Jillian Michaels, the tyrant trainer with a heart, is leaving "The Biggest Loser."

The 11th season, which starts in January, will be her last, she said. What do you think Michael's departure will mean for the show and its ratings? Is this like Simon Cowell leaving "American Idol"? Or does the emotional resonance of "The Biggest Loser" transcend the trainers? (Don't panic. Bob Harper isn't going anywhere. At least not yet.) 

Michaels' departure was not supposed to be revealed until Monday, when the network was planning to name the Season 11 contestants. But, as anyone who has dealt with Michaels know, there's no muzzling Jillian. She announced it herself on her Twitter account: "season 11 of Biggest Loser will be my last :) have to finish out my contract."

Also via Twitter, Michaels said she plans to take a year off, do more charity work and "focus on becoming a mommy." She added that her summer TV series, "Losing It," played a role in her decision. That show saw her traveling the country, moving in with families and helping them live more healthful lives. "Living with kids I saw firsthand what I was missing," she tweeted.

Executives declined to comment Friday on the departure. But Michaels said -- also via Twitter -- that a new trainer was on the way and that she would spent her final season helping to launch the new trainer.

— Rene Lynch

Photo: Jillian Michaels. Photo credit: Katie Falkenberg / For the Los Angeles Times.

Comments

[delta6]

I never watch this show even once. Who wants to waste their time watching a bunch of fat people working out to lose weight - Don't people have better things to do with their time.

[shae]

delta6, I think that's the meanest thing I have ever heard...maybe you should watch it once so you can see what amazing things happen on that show. I am lucky that I am not over weight,however, I love this show and watch it every season, it makes me happy to see the transformation's in each and every person weither they win the "game" or not. It's not just about loseing weight, there is much much more to it. You sound very shallow, and that makes me very sad for you.

[jerzegirl]

Delta 6: You are probably an avid FACEBOOK user, speaking of having better things to do with one's time. The only thing you said that made sense was that you NEVER WATCHED THE SHOW. Many people have been motivated to lose weight, start exercising, eating healthier and/or plan goals not even related to health and fitness. Perhaps you should start watching it to be motivated not to make ridiculous comments.

Jillian Michaels will be missed from the show.

[Lori]

Delta6 you are the crulest person and the most disrespectful person on this earth. Watching the biggest looser and seeing people change their lives for the better whether they win or loose is just amazing and wonderful. For you too be down right mean, makes me sad for you. Maybe you should watch the show and see the changes that go on, and then put yourself on their shoes. Maybe that you will give some perspective.

[Nora]

I Love Jullian and Bob. I have watched this show since season 1. I am not overweight. I am a police officer and use this show to motivate me into keeping fit. I work out and watch this show while working out. If these people can do it then so can I. I am a mother of 4 and look damn good. Thanks to the Biggest Loser!. Its motivation in itself. I love the people that work their butts off to lose weight and keep it off. Jillian I will miss you! Good Luck on your endeavor to Motherhood! You will make a wonderful mother!!!

[lucygoosey]

I wish Jillian well, I've lost interest. The "game play" is tired. I record the program then fast forward to the parts of interest like, the gym activities and the weigh in, oh the makeover show is cool. I fast forward through the finale, also.

[boss]

Shae: if what delta6 said was meanest thing that you've ever heard then you need to get out more. I think fat people are disgusting as well and they can always do something in order to change themselves.

If Jillian wants kinds then she better start having sex...with men that is.

[Song]

I think she has to. Lots of thing happened and not only taking care of her family, another fight is waiting like her product got sued because of side effect. I'm thinking this is just a break for her and I think she will comeback after everything is in control. She is a tough woman after all. But also I think there are lots of energetic women out there to replace Gil in the world so we'll see. I don't think the rate will be dropped that much. If the program succeed in transformation, it'll continue to move on.

[Jay]

Good! Bring Kim Lyons back. Jillian is a sell out.

[Mike]

She's an actress, not a trainer. It's all scripted. Turn it off and read a book.

[madsircool]

She will be forgotten a year from now. And, she is an actress.

Ive learned from this thread one way to make the ladies very angry is to dis the heavy folk.

[Badfish]

delta6 this is one of the only reality shows that actually inspires and educates people on the problems of obesity. First of all the show is on in the evening after most people have made the most of their days! You are probably another lazy obese couch potato that cant watch the show because you are too afraid to look in mirrior, I give alot of credit to the contestants who work out 6 hours or more a day and reenergize their entire lives, being a personal trainer I am someone who has always taken care of myself physically and this show STILL motivates...of all the crap that is shown on TV this isn't the show that should get blasted!

[Jillians a Hater]

Jillian is nothing but a semi decent face with a HUGE AMOUNT OF HATE....

Shes full of hate and hides it under a OH ITS FOR YOUR OWN GOOD shtick...Shes so pissed at the world, im surprised more people dont see thru it.

She always has a bitter/pinched look on her face and I feel sorry for any idiot that has to have her for a trainer...

Plus shes long in the tooth now...Old hate filled woman is old and hate filled...

Good bye hater.......Dont let the door hit you.........

[Terry Nevinger]

Being a fan of the show is what helped me shed 25lbs. I am a married 56 yr. old female that can run, skate, dance, and do yoga and a killer advanced step class. Jillian Michaels is the one who breaks down the barriers that keep us from succeeding. I quit drinking alcohol 2 years ago, I'm on no medications whatsoever., After Tara ran the marathon in under 5 hrs., it inspired me to run my 5th full marathon at 55 yrs. old. Jillian taught me the words "dead food", foods that have no nutritional value at all. If everyone would just open up their minds to the kind of changes it takes to be seriously healthy, we wouldn't have such an obesity crisis in our country. Cheers to you Jillian, you will be missed, but not forgotten. PS. Loved Losing It, it worked, you were great. Good luck

[A Fine Filly]

BASHING OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE IS THE LAST BASTION OF SOCIALLY ACCEPTED PREJUDICE IN THIS COUNTRY. GROW UP. NOW.

[Brent]

Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper do cause the ratings to go high. People love drama and both of them bring that to the show. I was a personal trainer for years and from a fitness background they do get results. However, I find their training methods dangerous. You cant have obese people do most of the stuff they have them do. I am supprised no one has gotten seriously hurt.

[Mike B.]

I myself like the show. Jillian Michaels truely cares for the contestants, and it shows. Some great friendships have been made because of The Biggest Loser. My wife and I watch it every week. We cannot believe the Transformations the contestants make by the end of the season. It is wonderful. Now as far as comparing J. michaels to S. cowell. It won't make a difference.
I myself am 5'8" and weigh a mere 135 lbs. I can eat anything and everything in sight. I don't gain a pound! ArrrgH! I stay active and amnot a couch potato. Wish I could put on about 20 pounds though. HOW???!!!!!!!

[Jodi Kealoha]

Aloha it was so great watching Jillian over the seasons! However change is GREAT!! I nominate Personal Training entrepreneur Jodi Kealoha of LA & Oahu, Hawaii's LUV URSELF FITNESS to take Jillian's newly open spot! Jodi is an awesome trainer & individual (not as mean as Jillian, but HIGHLY effective). Jodi K. has worked with fitness icon Jack LaLanne, Oprah, & 1,000's of everyday people providing lifestyle results for over 7years now with LUV URSELF Fitness, the personal training solutions company. Jodi K. is a HOT, unique, fresh, new aged, energetic approach to an age old topic, how to stay in shape healthily & enjoy it! But NO gyms & NO diets for this pro-trainer & she'll happily show you how...

[jrivasu8]

i'm happy that Jillian leave the show, i hate her attitute with the people she train.

[dennis]

when i read how mean people are it makes me realize why other counteries hate us, it's people like yourselves that sell america short maybe it is acting but get grip,bite your lip and take a sip. You need a drink real bad!