This week on Celebrity Fit Club, I was reminded that famous people often have the same problems as everyone else.
As a fan of the Biggest Loser, and a perennial battler of my own Battle of the Bulge, I had peeked a few times at past seasons of Celebrity Fit Club. But this year, I found myself looking forward to the show. I am a big fan of Carnie Wilson's, and have followed her post-gastric bypass story closely. So I really am hoping for the best for her, and am watching the show as an unabashed Carnie fan. (I guess that shows in my scoreboard, but I think I have valid reasons for my choice of her as #2 so far)
This year, we have the usual motley crew of celebs contending for the prize of a healthier shape. They have the always hyper comic, Ant, to cheer them on; Tough Guy Harvey to whip their bodies into shape; supportive Dr. Linda Papadopoulos to bolster their psyche; and diet expert Dr. Ian Smith to prepare their reduced-calorie meals. The show begins with our eight new cast members approaching the Clubhouse, in the dark. They are both hopeful and fearful of their new venture.
Before they begin their quest to lose weight, they have an ice cream feast; to say farewell to their former food excesses. All of them enjoy preparing a massive sundae, which ends in a very messy food fight. Ant introduces us to this season's cast:
Bone Crusher - a rap artist whose best known song is "Never Afraid"
Ereka Eleniak - an actress known for parts in "Baywatch" and the "Beverly Hillbillies" movie
Ted Lange - formerly Isaac, on "the Love Boat"
Vincent Pastore - of "the Sopranos" fame
Angie Stone - a singer who has had some fame; most recently with her album "Stone Love"
Nick Turturro - James, from "NYPD Blue"
Tina Yothers - Alex Keaton's little sister, on "Family Ties"
Carnie Wilson - formerly of Wilson Phillips; recently famous for her gastric bypass
The performers get that night to rest, and fans of the show know they will need it. The next day, Harvey puts them all through their paces in the workout. This series of events will set their baseline performances, which will be compared to their final performances; 100 days down the line. None of them do very well, and some of them look pretty pitiful as they their hand at the physical events. They endure 1/4-mile runs; long jumps, and push-ups. Harvey knows he's got his work cut out for him. They also get their percentage of body fat measured; by getting into bathing suits and submerging into tanks of water.
When the gang returns to the conference room, it's time for weigh-in, and to hear a bit more about their stories. We also get to hear who has been chosen as team captain, and to see their beginning weights. This is where the teams are formed, too.
The first team captain is Carnie Wilson, who is very surprised by the choice. She talks about how it felt; to be famous for losing so much weight, and to have put it back on. She felt so visible, and she knows it's time to change the trend back to losing again.
The other team captain is Bone Crusher, who seems very laid back about it. He does seem upset at his wife's reaction to his weight, and I get mushy when I see his desire to become healthier for her sake.
Carnie's team consists of Vincent (who was supposed to be on the last show; but was derailed by a heart attack); Ted (who dreams of six-pack abs and reliving his use) and Tina (who is sick of being "the chubby kid"). Bone's team includes Angie (whose sarcoidosis has impaired her health); Ereka (who put weight on when she got pregnant) and Nick (whose wife put a padlock on his "snack cabinet") The rivalry is set, and the teams step out to the famous scale, where Carnie's team wins this week's weigh-in by being the "lighter team".
Next week, the real contest begins, and the tempers appear to be in full view. Angie has a medical problem, and lots of emotions are displayed. I'll be there, and I hope you will join me to root for your own favorite.
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at DonnaEmery@RealityTVCalendar.com.
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