HE may have been one of the strongest competitors on the show but the 2008 Biggest Loser journey came to an end for Orange's Michael Sandford on Monday night. Michael was voted out by his remaining three Blue Team members and has lost a further 18kg since leaving the house to bring his total weight loss to a remarkable 48kg. He spoke with the Central Western Daily yesterday about his experience on the hit Channel 10 show.

Central Western Daily: How have you found life outside the Biggest Loser house? Has it been harder than you imagined putting all the knowledge you gained about exercise and healthy eating into practise?

Michael Sandford: It's been good. All of that stuff is hammered into you so much while you're in the house that you aren't going to forget it. Now I know what to eat and what times to eat. I also learned that a few foods I thought were good for you aren't so good for you.

CWD: How did you handle the game playing and the tactical side of the show?

MS: It's what I struggled with the most. When I started (Red Team contestant) Cosi told me to try and not see everyone as a person so much and just see what I could get out of them for my advantage. I tried it for a couple of hours but I just couldn't swing it - my brain's not wired that way. I guess that's why I'm eliminated now (laughs).

CWD: How would you describe your trainer Shannan?

MS: He's a great guy. He's done a fantastic job with the Blue Team. There's a lot more to being a personal trainer than just sitting there shouting at people. You've got to have that respect.

CWD: What was it like coming back to see your family and your younger brother, who was one of the main reasons you entered the house?

MS: It was a fantastic day. I got voted out earlier than I would've liked but I'd still lost about 30kg by then, so it was good for people to be able to notice a change since I'd left. I would've hated only going back after a week.

CWD: How has it been getting recognised in the streets of Orange?

MS: It's been good. The support I've received from the Orange community has been terrific. They're great people and that's why I didn't want to let them down.

CWD: Since returning home you've played in a couple of rugby 10s tournaments. How good is it to be back playing the sport you love?

MS: It's been great, I even managed to score a couple of tries the last time I played. Make sure you write that bit down!

CWD: You became close to (Red Team member) Sheridan during your time in the house. Have you spoken to her since you left?

MS: No, we're just good friends (laughs).

CWD: Who do you hope will win and who do you think will win?

MS: I think Sam will win and I hope he does win. It will be very close between Sam and Cosi.

CWD: You're out of the running for the main $200,000 prize but you're still in with a shot to win the $50,000 for the eliminated contestant with the biggest weight loss. Is that money driving you?

MS: The money would obviously be a bonus but I didn't go on the show for that. I went on there to get my life back and I've done that.

The Biggest Loser airs weekdays at 7pm and on Sunday at 6.30pm on Channel 10.