'The Biggest Loser' Returns for Its 13th Season on January 3

Season 12 of "The Biggest Loser" ended less than 24 hours ago, but NBC is ready to get the word out about the next round of the weight-loss competition, which returns Jan. 3 with what the network calls "a shocking surprise" for the contestants.

According to the press release, the 20 hopefuls will arrive at the "Biggest Loser" ranch in teams of two (husband/wife, siblings, mother/daughter, etc.), and that's when the twist comes in: The pairs will be separated from their partners to form two teams that will compete against each other. One team will be led by veteran trainer Bob Harper, and the other by returning trainer Dolvett Quince.


Each week, the show will also address the contestants' reasons for not trying to get healthy sooner, making it clear that there will be "no excuses" in season 13.

Some of the contestants include a widow with 13 kids and 55 grandchildren, a former pro wrestler, a pastor and a Santa Claus.