Two “Losers” Get Engaged, One Wins Grand Prize

Like the previous seven seasons of "The Biggest Loser," Tuesday's finale ended with dramatic weight losses and one fit winner.  But season 8 had a few surprises, including a live marriage proposal and a new big-money challenge for one contestant.

In the end, it came down to two dads — Rudy Paul and Danny Cahill — fighting for the $250,000 grand prize.  Danny dropped a jaw-dropping 239 pounds, 55.58 percent of his original body weight, to finish on top.   Rudy lost 234 pounds (52.9 percent).

“I feel like a million bucks,” said Danny, who bares a striking resemblance to Mel Gibson after his weight loss. “I got my life back.”

Amanda, who was voted into Season 8 by at-home viewers, earned the chance to compete against Danny and Rudy in the final when she once again recieved the audience's vote, this time over Liz Young.  Amanda lost 87 pounds — 34.8 percent — weighing in at 163.

A season of love
Before the final weigh in, Antoine Dove, looking nothing like the 367-pound man who started the show after losing 41.42 percent of his body weight, got down on one knee and asked fellow contestant Alexandra White for her hand in marriage.

"I love you with all my heart," Antoine said through tears.  "I've accomplished the impossible in my life because you (were) by my side.  And now we're going to be able to live our lives together forever if you'd accept this ring."

Alexandra, the first contestant to be voted off Season 8, gladly accepted.

Antoine and Alexandra were two of four contestants who found love this season.  Daniel Wright and Rebecca Meyer also got together after leaving campus.  The relationship clearly motivated them both to continue their weight-loss journey at home.  Rebecca lost 139 pounds, 29.82 percent of her starting body weight, to earn the $100,000 prize for most weight lost by an eliminated player.

“I did not think this was possible, and it was in me to do,” she said.

Second chances
It was Daniel's second time on "The Biggest Loser."  During season 7 he lost 142 pounds, and he was able to add another 111 to that total during Season 8.  This time around, he was paired with Shay Sorrells, the biggest contestant in the history of the show with a starting weight of 476 pounds.  Although she lost 172 pounds, her current weight of 304 is no where near her goal.  To her surprise, she was offered a financial incentive to continue her journey; For every pound she loses before the Season 9 finale in May, Subway will give her $1,000. 

Shay is one of two former contestants who have been invited to weigh in at the Season 10 finale. Season 3 champ Erik Chopin took home $250,000 when he lost over 200 pounds going from 407 to 193.  But a few short years later, he has gained it all back.  During a recent "Where are They Now" special, trainer Bob Harper invited Erik to recommit to a healthy lifestyle and appear on the Season 9 finale to show off his hard work.

'I lost and I won'
As for the newest Biggest Loser, Danny Cahill already has plans to spend part of his winnings.  "The first thing I'm going to buy? Carpet," he said on "Jay Leno."  "We have had the most horrible carpet for eight years in our house."

Clearly a family man, Danny said it was his wife and children who motivated him to change his lifestyle.

"My kids are happy, my wife is happy.  My life has turned around for the better."

Danny is still getting used to his new body and the positive attention that come with it.  "Just a year ago people were getting out of my way, so when somebody gives me a compliment I'm like, 'Hey, this is really neat!'" he said.

There's one other thing Danny's getting used to -- washing his back in the shower. "I could not do that," he said.  "Sometimes I would squirt soap on the wall and just rub against the wall."

As for whether he feels like a loser or a winner, Danny said both.  This is the first time you actually lose to win," he said.  "I lost and I won."

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