Lewis to host 'The Biggest Loser'

Hayley Lewis has been revealed as the new presenter of Australian weight loss show The Biggest Loser.

The Olympic swimming champion, who gained 25kg while pregnant with son Jacob in 1998, has spoken out about her own weight battle and low self-esteem.

Lewis told the Herald Sun: "I’ve watched The Biggest Loser since the first season and to see what these contestants overcome is so inspiring. I can empathise with them because I’ve been in their shoes and know how low you can feel. I can't wait to start this hosting job."

The 35-year-old sports star said about her weight issues: "There were times I didn’t want to get out of bed or put on my togs because I was too embarrassed...a glossy magazine came out and said I wasn’t your typical athlete and a little bit heavy legged."

She added: "It was really hard. I was only a young girl and I had to wear togs every day of my life, you can’t hide. I was embarrassed and upset. It’s tough and more problems came when I had children."

Lewis is replacing former host Ajay Rochester, who was rumoured to have been axed from the show after hitting headlines for her welfare fraud court case.