Alison Sweenty to Exit as Host of THE BIGGEST LOSER

Producers for NBC's THE BIGGEST LOSER announced in an exclusive statement to Access Hollywood on Tuesday that long-time host Alison Sweeney would not be returning for next season of the show.

"After an incredible run together, Alison Sweeney will not be returning as host of 'The Biggest Loser' next season," the statement read.

Sweeney has been hosting the NBC reality weight loss competition since 2007. Production on the 17th season is scheduled to begin next month.

About Alison Sweeney:

Sweeney is an accomplished author and brings her Hollywood insider's knowledge and keen sense of romance and fun to her first novel, The Star Attraction, which was released in May 2013. New York Times best-selling author Jodi Picoult described the book as, "Great fun for any reader who secretly sneaks peeks at People magazine in the checkout line at the grocery store, and wonders, What if...?"

Her previously released book, The Mommy Diet, revealed the "diet" of nutrition, fitness and self-care that women can follow to look and feel fantastic - before and during pregnancy and after giving birth. The Mommy Diet focuses on ways to get and keep physical and mental health, while offering ways to slim down after having a child in a positive, attainable way. Dr. Oz and Jillian Michaels are among those who provided endorsements for her book.

No stranger to the camera, Sweeney began her acting career at age 4. At 16 years old, Sweeney joined the cast of "Days of our Lives," where she celebrated her 20th anniversary with the show in January 2013. In the role of Sami Brady, she has tackled controversial storylines including bulimia, date rape, teen pregnancy, and capital punishment. Sweeney's performance has garnered numerous awards including The Soap Opera Digest Awards four times (1986, '98, '99 and 2001) for the role of "Favorite Villain" and the award for "Favorite Good Girl" in 2001. Sweeney also won the award for "America's Favorite Villain" at the 29th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

During the past few years at "Days of our Lives," Sweeney has also added director to her long list of credits.
She continues her philanthropic work as an Ambassador for Stand Up To Cancer and a member of the Entertainment Council for Feeding America.

Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC

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