It's official

[Magician]

read this in the paper today. I for one will miss her from the show.

CHANNEL Ten has parted ways with controversial Biggest Loser host Ajay Rochester and is looking for someone new to helm the weight-loss reality show.

"We've had a couple of really good years, but we've decided to go in a different direction," a Channel Ten spokesperson told news.com.au.

The network said Rochester was planning to "pursue new opportunities".

Rumours were rife Rochester would not return to host the 2010 season of Biggest Loser after her management agency of three and a half years, Mark Morrissey, dropped her last week.

The larger-than-life blonde said it was because she "currently (has) no Australian commitments and am just focusing on my projects in the US".

While it is not known if Rochester's Twitter profile is genuine, the user ajayrochester wrote on the social-networking site this morning, "Laughing at Ten's attempt to beat me to the punch! Booked my ticket aaaggggges ago ... everyone knew I wanted to go ... whatever!! See ya!!!"

This followed yesterday's post in which it said, "I am sooooo happy! I feel free for the first time in a long time. So excited!"

It has been a tough year for the TV host. Rochester was acquitted in January of 23 counts of welfare fraud after accepting $14,000 that she wasn't entitled to from Centrelink.

She was also forced to defend claims she wasn't invited to this year's Logies, admitting she knocked back the invitation because it clashed with plans for upper-arm reduction surgery.

In the same week a beautician also claimed the author threw a "tantrum from hell" at her for supporting a petition calling for her to be replaced as host of the show.

Channel Ten said a new Biggest Loser host would be announced in coming months as production of the fourth season got underway.

"We‘re looking forward to inviting a new host to join Shannon and Michelle in The Biggest Loser team and pushing the envelope even further with our 2010 series,” said Ten's Chief Programming Officer, David Mott.

Previously known as Lee Ann Towler, Rochester shot to fame as the author of such books as Confessions of a Reformed Dieter, Blubberguts and The Lazy Girl's Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Fit.

She began hosting the Channel 10 reality show The Biggest Loser in 2006.

[msmrsmiss]

sigh....fare thee well, Ajay, we'll miss your deadpan delivery...wonder if they'll get you to host the Logies in a few year? We may all burst with excitement if you do...

[maxi]

I have to wonder what 'projects' she 's lining up in the US - cosmetic surgery?

[hampastie]

Originally Posted by maxi

I have to wonder what 'projects' she 's lining up in the US - cosmetic surgery?

Howdy Maxi...good to see you again!!!!

[msmrsmiss]

Originally Posted by maxi

I have to wonder what 'projects' she 's lining up in the US - cosmetic surgery?

Hey maxi!!!!
Hows things??

[maxi]

Hello lovelies, nice to be back here. It's nice change of pace here, Facebook gets a bit frenetic sometimes.

[aMMo]

Hey all and Maxi I am sure you are right about the plastic surgery, I saw on some show that Ajay will be going under the knife! I also saw on another show who will be the new host of TBL. I think her name is Hailey Lewis and she was a swimmer who has battled with weight before!