Anna Kournikova may have stolen hearts as a professional tennis player, but she doesn't appear to have won many friends on this season's "The Biggest Loser."
The athlete, who joined the NBC reality competition this fall, is leaving after one season, and hollywoodreporter.com is chalking her departure up to staffers who "found her a bit brash and unsympathetic." The website also referred to "a source" on the show who called her "a nightmare."
The host-trainer, who replaced Jillian Michaels on the show, issued her own statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
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"I enjoyed my time on the 'Biggest Loser' ranch. Although I will not be returning as a full-time trainer on season 13, I will always be a part of 'The Biggest Loser' family, and my commitment to bettering lives through health and fitness will continue," said the Russian-born tennis star.
In an interview with the Tulsa World last summer, she said she was not a psychologist trained to work with obese clients but she has a lot of "pride in being a good listener."
"There's a million trainers in America alone, and anyone can have the ability to change someone's body, but if you can sit down and lend an ear to assist someone with whatever is going on in their life, in general, you can help them change," she said in the interview.
Kournikova is following in the footsteps of last spring's new trainers Cara Castronova and Brett Hoebel who also lasted only one season.
Keeping up with past contestants
"Biggest Loser" winner Danny Cahill, Broken Arrow, will be among the former contestants on "The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?" airing at 8 p.m. Nov. 23 on NBC, channel 2, cable 9.
The two-hour special will also feature bloopers featuring trainers Bob Harper, Anna Kournikova and Dolvett Quince, host Alison Sweeney and contestants, a surprise announcement from a "beloved former contestant" and a celebration of successful "Biggest Loser" life transformations, according to press information.
In 2009, Cahill, 40, was proclaimed the winner after going from 430 pounds to 191 on season eight of the show.
Also appearing on the show will be fan favorites Abby Rike, Tara Costa, O'Neal Hampton and season five winner Ali Vincent, season 11 winner Olivia Ward and other popular players. Cameras will also follow trainer Bob Harper through "a day in the life" and cooking expert Aida Mollenkamp will prepare a healthy Thanksgiving feast for the cast. Alison Sweeney will serve as host.
Rita Sherrow 918-581-8360
Original Print Headline: Kournikova exits 'Biggest Loser'