‘The Biggest Loser’ season 17: Richard Hatch, ‘The Voice’ alum Erin Willett join

While “The Biggest Loser” will not premiere on NBC until Monday, January 4, the network is wasting little time giving you a chance to see some of the contestants!

We don’t cover the show regularly at the site and really cannot comment too much on some of the particulars, but the big surprise to us was learning that none other than original “Survivor” winner Richard Hatch is a part of the cast! Speaking to People Magazine about it, he explained that this is mostly about trying to get his body to a better place:

“I know I’m not healthy. I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol … So, it’s not about being able to lift this or do that. It’s, ‘Is my blood pressure low again? Is my cholesterol level right?’ That’s where I’m headed now.”

We know that there is a strategy component to the “Biggest Loser” game, so of course we’re going to wonder whether or not he can excel in that environment. This is the third major reality franchise to feature Richard, as he previously turned up on “The Celebrity Apprentice” a few years back before being fired by Donald Trump.

Another notable name in the cast is Erin Willett, a singer who finished in the top five on the second season of “The Voice.” We feel like the reason for these castings is to get the show a little more press (hence the reason for this article); luckily, it looks like the majority of the people on the show this year are still everyday Americans, which is great since the whole athlete-based twist last time was a commercial flop and the show itself was rather boring.

Does having Hatch on “The Biggest Loser” make you want to watch? (We’re still on the fence.) Share below.