Nellie Andreeva

EXCLUSIVE: Is fitness guru Jillian Michaels the next daytime talk show star? The popular Biggest Loser trainer has signed a multi-year deal to join the daytime syndicated talk show The Doctors as a co-host next season. Additionally, she will serve as a special correspondent on Dr. Phil. Both talk shows are distributed by CBS TV Distribution and executive produced by Phil McGraw. When she announced in December that she would leave The Biggest Loser after the current 11th season, Michaels tweeted that she was planning to “focus on becoming a mommy.” While that is still very much in the cards, Michaels said that she had been open to doing something in the daytime space. Since announcing her exit from Loser, she fielded multiple job offers but immediately sparked to the idea of joining The Doctors, created and exec produced by Jay McGraw, as well as Dr. Phil. “This was an opportunity to do something that I love and help so many people, so I couldn’t possibly pass it up,” said Michaels, who has appeared about a dozen times on The Doctors in the past three seasons. She also relishes the opportunity for “people to see the 360-degree version of me” vs. the somewhat “caricature” character that she plays on Loser, where she is known for being very tough on the contestants. “I will still take a tough-love approach when necessary, but this is a platform that will allow me to have a direct connection with the viewers and provide them with information, motivation and support.” Also appealing to Michaels was the chance to work with Phil McGraw, whom she called “the ultimate mentor” in daytime, especially with Oprah Winfrey leaving the arena later this month. While The Doctors started off as a show for advice from medical professionals, it has evolved, and recruiting Michaels is part of that, Jay McGraw said. “We’re broadening the type of information we are going to provide to viewers,” he said. “Jillian is the best at what she does and has the ability to form an incredible bond with the viewers.” Here is the release announcing Michaels’ new jobs:

Health and wellness expert and fan favorite Jillian Michaels (The Biggest Loser) has been signed to a multi-year deal to join the team of experts on the Emmy Award-winning daytime series The Doctors, it was announced today by Creator and Executive Producer Jay McGraw.

THE DOCTORS, from Stage 29 Productions, and distributed by CBS Television Distribution,  launched in 2008 with an esteemed group of professionals that includes ER physician Dr. Travis Stork; OB/GYN Dr. Lisa Masterson; cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Drew Ordon and pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears.  The show has been heralded for providing viewers with entertaining and easily-digestible information that is essential to health and well-being.

“Jillian Michaels is the perfect addition to THE DOCTORS team,” said McGraw.  “She not only embraces our mission to supply viewers with critical information to make informed and intelligent health care decisions, but more importantly, she leads by example. Jillian has been one of our most popular guests, and we’re thrilled to give her a permanent seat at the table on THE DOCTORS, where she will focus on Wellness, Prevention and Lifestyle dynamics in addition to other health-related issues.  Our Doctors all love Jillian and could not be more excited about her joining the team.”

In addition to her role as co-host on THE DOCTORS, Michaels also will serve as a special correspondent on DR. PHIL, where she will focus on similar lifestyle issues.

“I could not be more excited about joining such an amazing show! My greatest passion is helping people live their healthiest, happiest lives by empowering them with information and support,” said Michaels. “This is literally the most informative show in daytime, and it allows me to continue to educate people on how to make powerful health choices enabling them to take control of not only their physical well-being, but every facet of their lives. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent as a guest on the show and becoming a permanent member of the team makes today one of the best yet.”

Although best known as a trainer and life coach, Michaels also is the author of four New York Times best-sellers.  She brings to THE DOCTORS a passion for fitness that originates from 17 years of devoted practice in the fields of martial arts, personal training, health and wellness. She embraces a no-nonsense approach to promoting healthy lifestyles that is well-suited to the show’s core mission of supplying its viewers with valuable information about today’s health topics and recognizing that an ounce of prevention is the key to a long, healthy life.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.