NBC'S REMAINING NINE "BIGGEST LOSER" CONTESTANTS TRAVEL HOME TO SEE FAMILIES IN EMOTIONAL EPISODE AIRING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT 8 P.M. ET

BURBANK, CA - February 14, 2008 - For the first time in the history of NBC's hit series "The Biggest Loser," the last nine contestants all get a trip home to see their loved ones in the middle of the season. It's a week filled with heartwarming reunions, real world temptations and tearful goodbyes when contestants must return to the ranch on this special episode of NBC's "The Biggest Loser: Couples," airing Tuesday, February 19 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The episode begins with host Alison Sweeney telling contestants that they're all going home to the friends and family they haven't seen since coming to the ranch 58 days before. Viewers will see each contestant's emotional reunion with loved ones, and their daily struggles to continue their diet and exercise plans at home amid the temptations and distractions that challenge them in the "real world" they've been away from so long.

While some are determined to stay on track with their diet and fitness regimes, at least one player gives in to temptation, and makes matters worse by not keeping in touch with their trainer while away.

Once they get back to the ranch, the blue team (under trainer Bob Harper) and black team (under trainer Jillian Michaels) square off in a challenge that tests their endurance. The winning team gets a huge advantage at the weigh-in, where contestants will really see how they did during their challenging week back at home. Then an elimination round follows, and another contestant is sent packing.

Casting is currently underway for the sixth season of "The Biggest Loser," with auditions planned in 13 cities. Mirroring this season's "couples" theme, producers are looking for teams of two (family members, friends, co-workers, etc.). For more information on the auditions or how to apply to be on the show, go to www.nbc.com/casting.

"The Biggest Loser: Couples" is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3Ball Productions. Ben Silverman (NBC's "The Office," "Ugly Betty"), Dave Broome ("A Model Life with Petra Nemcova," "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope"), JD Roth ("Age of Love," "Beauty and the Geek"), Todd A. Nelson ("Unan1mous," "Beauty and the Geek") and Mark Koops ("American Gladiators," "Shear Genius") serve as executive producers.