On tonight’s episode of The Biggest Loser, the five remaining contestants are surprised with the news that they’re headed to New York for a very special makeover. On top of that, they’ll be showing off their new looks on The Tyra Banks Show. The surprises keep coming when Project Runway winner Christian Siriano meets up with them at Macy’s on their shopping spree for new outfits. On The Tyra Banks Show, the audience goes crazy for each contestant, as they walk a short runway and show off their new bodies. Michelle is shocked and reduced to tears when her father comes running out of the audience to hug her and tell her how wonderful she looks. The surprises don’t stop there!

Renee’s husband is there to see her, Vicky’s best friend surprises her, Heba’s brother flies in to offer his support, and Ed’s dad shows up to tell him just how proud he is of him. After the taping of the show, Christian gives them one final surprise: Macy’s is providing each of the final five contestants with a $1,000 gift card to use once the show is over and splurge on some new clothes. Everyone heads to Times Square where Bob and Jillian remind them, via giant billboard video message, that there are still gyms to work out in while they’re on vacation.

For tonight’s challenge, it’s all about pressure! The contestants will have to wedge themselves inside glass cubes, which hang 15 feet above the water. If they lose their grip, they’ll fall out, into the water, and will be out of the competition. The winner will receive a 2 week trip for two to the Fitness Ridge Resort and Spa in St. George, Utah. Vicky quits after about 30 seconds, feeling that it was too difficult a challenge for her.  Heba falls next, followed by Ed.  With Renee and Michelle still in the game, it seemed like it would make sense for one to just drop but they want to battle it out to the end.  Renee falls and Michelle is the challenge winner. 

When the challenge is over, Vicky is still up on the scaffolding and refuses to jump into the water, terrified of the height.  All of the contestants, and even Alison, come together to support her and convince her to jump in.  Finally, she lets go and drops the 15 feet below.  The players arrive back at The Biggest Loser and meet up with their trainers, who are eagerly awaiting them and get them right in the gym for some seriously grueling workouts.

Here are the numbers from tonight's weigh-in:

• Vicky: 4 pound loss (2.22%)
• Renee: 4 pound loss (2.01%)
• Michelle: 5 pound loss (2.84%)
• Ed: 3 pound loss (1.19%)
  
• Heba: 7 pound loss (3.13%)

Renee and Ed end up falling the yellow line and are up for elimination.  Should the women choose the eliminate Ed, it will be the first time that only women will go to the live finale.  However, Ed is in a strong alliance with Vicky and Heba, who surely will not write his name down.  In the event of a tie though, the player with the lowest percentage automatically goes home, which would be Ed.  The players decide, in the end, to send Renee home.

- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of NBC)