Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

Alison Sweeney Coy About New 'Biggest Loser' Trainers/Tanna Frederick Gets into Her Doggy Groove

Alison Sweeney doesn't sound terribly enthusiastic about the two new trainers on "The Biggest Loser" this season. Asked how she feels about the male-female duo so far, she demonstrates a sidestepping capability that ranks up there with the most seasoned politicians:

"They're certainly different, but I was a new person at one time myself," points out the "Biggest Loser" hostess and "Days of Our Lives" TV star. She also says, "I think the show is as strong as ever. 'The Biggest Loser' is all about change and people getting their lives back. I think we'll see how the fans feel about what they're seeing as it all unfolds."

Does she like the two newcomers who are competing against popular trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels this season?

Her answer: "They're amazing trainers. They certainly have an important contribution to make."

Viewers should not expect to get a big reveal all at once about the new trainers, either. They're being kept mysterious. Sweeney is doing her part.

She laughs. "I've been on a soap opera a long time. I know how to keep a secret." In fact, she won't even say how much chance she's had to get to know the pair herself.

"Every week, they're going to show a little more. I can't speak for the producers, but I think the idea is for viewers to see the effects of the work they put in. They wanted America to see what they do before really seeing who they are. I can tell you for sure that the contestants who went to train with them love them and are passionately enthusiastic about the choice they made to go with them."

A few weeks ago, Michaels announced that she would be leaving the show at season's end in hopes of focusing on motherhood, as she wants to adopt a baby. Sweeney notes, "As long as she's a part of 'Biggest Loser,' we're lucky to have her. Even last week at the weigh in, I was so moved by her passion. I know whatever road Jillian takes, she's going to be successful and put her whole heart into it."

As far as her own feelings about changes on the show, Sweeney says, "It's just one of those things. These things are going to happen. It's like the contestants' journeys. At a certain point, there are going to be extraneous factors you can't control, but you can't let that keep you from doing what you need to do."

Meanwhile, Sweeney has been living the life of a master multi-tasker for years now, what with her prime-time and daytime shows, plus a 2-year-old daughter, a nearly-6-year-old son and a husband at home. This year, she adds to her activities list with her well-received "The Mommy Diet" book and stumping for the Hill's Science Diet for pets and its current million-dollar PetFit challenge.

Her own beloved family dog, fivish-year-old rescued Boston terrier Winkie, inspired her involvement.

"There are crazy statistics out there about overweight dogs. You start to say the words and realize it's the exact same mistakes people make with their children: They associate food with comfort and love. But being overweight really does impact the health of the pet. They're going to be in pain, they're going to have low energy, it will impact their longevity. Our vet made it clear a fitness program is vital to keep your pet healthy."

Speaking of fitness, how is the current crop of "Biggest Loser" contestants doing, deep into filming of the season that just started to air last week?

"They're amazing," she says. "The weight loss is spectacular — they're definitely meeting and exceeding the standards. We had people getting whistles on the catwalk because of how great they look. You would say, 'That person doesn't belong on a weight loss show.'"

So maybe the new trainers do have something going for them.

A DOG'S LIFE: Red-tressed "Queen of the Lot" star Tanna Frederick made a New Year's wish to get back on stage, she tells us — and, lo and behold, a last-minute opportunity presented itself to take on the lead role of the title dog in A.R. Gurney's "Sylvia," opening tomorrow (1/14) at the Sierra Madre playhouse outside L.A.

"It's a role I've been wanting to play for a long time," Frederick says. "This play was originally written for Sarah Jessica Parker, who did it in New York. It's the most charming story about a dog's relationship to its owner. This husband brings a dog home, the wife doesn't want the dog, and it really becomes this love triangle."

She's prepared for the role by — what else? — hanging out with her dog, a Shiba Inu "that looks like a little wolf. She gets distracted easily. She can smell people from, like, a block away. She's always hungry, always wants to be petted."

Frederick reports there will be a special performance benefiting the ASPCA Feb. 3.

By then, she'll be preparing for another stage role, at L.A.'s Edgemar Center for the Arts. "It's called 'Afterlife,' and it's very serious and difficult material, completely different material from 'Sylvia.'" She'll be rehearsing "Afterlife" by day, romping around as a dog by night.

THE VIDEOLAND VIEW: A&E, which last month greenlit an hour-long series based on Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire Mysteries — contingent on casting — is still not decided on its Walt Longmire. Shooting of the pilot is set for March. The character is a sheriff described as "recently widowed, but with the nose of a hound dog and the patience of a diplomat" — who is about to let a killer go free when viewers meet him. Also in the cast are his daughter, several deputies and his best friend. Considering the cable network has become a headquarters for plum roles and high-quality fare, you have to know this is a hotly contested part. They're also casting the characters Victoria Moretti, Branch Connelly, several deputies and Walt's daughter.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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