Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

'Biggest Loser' Casting Call in Avondale Expected to Draw More Than 1,000

 "The Biggest Loser" will hold a casting call Saturday at the Avondale Planet Fitness.
'The Biggest Loser' casting call
View Full Caption

AVONDALE — More than 1,000 people are expected to start lining up at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Avondale Planet Fitness in hopes of joining the next cast of "The Biggest Loser."

The popular NBC show is seeking 18 to 20 contestants to compete and shed pounds in its upcoming 15th season, a grueling prospect as contestants work out eight to 10 hours a day.

Based on the number of registrations received so far, Planet Fitness spokeswoman Cat Thoreson said she's anticipating at least 1,000 people.

Past "Biggest Loser" casting calls have been known to attract thousands. Saturday's event will begin at 10 a.m. and go until 6 p.m. at the Planet Fitness, 3120 N. Pulaski Road.

"People can start lining up to three hours before, so we anticipating people lining up at 7 a.m.," Thoreson said.

Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) will attend, along with past contestants Jerry and Estella Hayes (Season 7), Jeff Nichols (Season 14), and Francelina Morillo (Season 14).

Casting directors will take hopefuls into a room 10 at a time where they will answer questions about themselves for about 10 minutes.

They will be free to go after that point, but if they're chosen for the next round — an on-camera audition — they will hear back before midnight.

Prospective contestants should have at least 80 pounds to lose and are encouraged to pre-register at "The Biggest Loser" casting website, which provides additional instructions.

If a Chicago-area contestant wins, he or she would be the second in two seasons.

Northwest suburban Wheeling resident Dannielle 'Danni' Allen won the 14th season after losing 121 pounds.