Sara Rue Hosts Shedding for the Wedding

In this new competition series from the creator of The Biggest Loser, overweight couples attempt to shed pounds and win their dream wedding. Each week’s winner gets one element for their big day, from the cake to the dress, and the winning couple will receive their fantasy wedding in the finale episode. Adorable Jenny Craig spokesperson and Rules of Engagement star Sara Rue hosts.

Rue, who recently lost over 50 pounds with the Jenny Craig program and is engaged to be married in spring, can relate to what the couples are going through. “I have had struggles with my weight my whole life,” she explains, “And when I was approached to [host the show], I was hesitant. But I am so glad. I feel like it was truly a gift for me to get to do this publicly because for the first time, being honest with people, I was really able to be honest with myself. And I think now doing the show is sort of a way for me to pay it forward.”

“I am planning a wedding, so when I reached my goal [weight], I started trying on dresses and that was very satisfying for me, to have them zip or clasp or whatever, and to feel confident and happy in them. I haven’t bought my dress yet, but just trying them on was a big deal.”

Did she gather any wedding inspiration from the contestants? You bet! “I was definitely doing a little bit of shopping while also completing my hosting duties,” admits Rue. “I was checking things out and getting ideas. And I would say to the contestants, ‘I’m totally stealing that!’ It was really fun for me since it’s something that I’m currently doing.”

“Yes, it’s about weight loss, but it’s also about these couples really bonding and sort of making each other better so that they can start their lives off at their happiest and healthiest. I got really excited about it.”

“Trust me,” she adds, “I’ve watched every reality show since the beginning of reality, and I think ours is really good.”

Shedding for the Wedding premieres Wednesday 2/23 at 9pm on The CW.

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