The Shape I’m In: John Murray, TV presenter

IT’S difficult not to be moved by the trails and triumphs of the leaders from Operation Transformation. And RTÉ presenter John Murray is no exception.

On his radio show he doled out sympathy and encouragement in equal measure as we caught up on Mondays with their epic efforts to drop weight.

He has the height of respect for their determination. “I think they are inspiring,” he says.

“It’s no easy thing to put yourself forward as a leader. You are going to come under relentless focus for a few months of your life. There is no hiding place. And there’s a huge onus on the leaders to achieve their targets.”

For anyone who has ever gained weight and tried to lose it, they will know that it’s a complex challenge — it’s not just a matter of saying no to chips and yes please to exercise.

“Things are going on their lives that probably contributes to their weight problems. The weight gain is never in isolation. That’s why the experts are so good in steering them in the right direction,” he says.

“It’s no easy task to lose your target amount every week. The big question when the cameras go away, is can they sustain it?

“Based on seven series so far, participants have a 50/50 success rate at keeping off the weight. I think that’s very encouraging.”

Married to Miriam Donohoe, they live in Dublin with their two children — Stephen 25 and Catherine 23 — who are both working.

They share their home with three cats, Bobby, Chloe and Suzie. “One was a stray, one we got at the animal home and the third we picked up because its owner was pregnant and became a bit allergic to cats.

“Stroking a cat can be a nice way of easing tension or putting you in good form.”

In what sounds like a feud of soap-opera dimensions, the two older two cats have their claws out for the newer arrival. “Suzie has been there about three years and they still haven’t got used to her. You get plenty of fights. They all have different personalities.”

* The John Murray Show, RTE Radio 1, Monday -Friday, 9am - 10am.

What shape are you in?

Bad shape - I could lose at least a stone in weight. I used to cycle and walk like a demon but I got a bit lazy over Christmas. I should be doing a lot more cycling and walking.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Apples, carrots, parsnips, broccoli — you name it.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Scones. I decided to give them up for the new year but I’ve slipped on a couple of occasions.At least I didn’t have the jam or the cream. I never thought I’d say the word addiction in relation to food but I just can’t resist them.

What would keep you awake at night?

Nothing, because I sleep like a log. I’d sleep standing up. It would take something very, very sensational to have me awake during the night. I get about seven hours sleep.

How do you relax?

I enjoy cycling and reading books. I read sports biographies over the Christmas - Roy Keane, Brian O’Driscoll. And I’ve just finished reading The Guest Cat, a Japanese book translated into 25 languages. I expected it to be a lot more about cats. It’s not. I was totally underwhelmed.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Alex Ferguson, Robert De Niro and Dawn French.

What’s your favourite smell?

Freshly mowed grass — it reminds me of my sporting days. I played gaelic football up to about the age of 17. I’ve nice memories of playing on different pitches around Dublin.

What would you change about your appearance?

Nothing. I am what I am. I’m bald but I don’t worry too much about it.

What trait do you least like in others?

Meanness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Selfishness.

Do you pray?

Daily. I say a decade of the rosary in the car every morning. I switch off the radio and get about 10 minutes of peace and quiet. That puts me in good stead for the day ahead.

What would cheer up your day?

A good radio show. There is nothing quite like it when you get a bunch of people into studio and all goes well.

— Irene Feighan