Meet the first leader for Operation Transformation 2020

The first leader of Operation Transformation 2020 has been revealed.

Mother-of-one Claire Beakhurst from Malahide was today named as the first leader of the health and fitness programme.

Weighing 16st 5, the 31-year-old has five brothers and two sisters and is mum to five-year-old Ellie.

A statement from RTÉ revealed that it was her daughter who inspired Claire to apply for the show.

"Running around after Ellie is fun but tough, and Claire feels like she can hardly keep up with her.

"Ellie's dad has never been in the picture, so being a single mum has brought challenges, but Claire says she couldn't have done it without her family.

It is Ellie who inspired her to apply for the show, to be a good role model and positive influence.

A barber of 11 years, Claire recently purchased her own Grafton Barbers franchise and is full of confidence in her professional life.

"But underneath that, she has very low self-esteem," the statement read.

"She doesn't look at herself in the mirror as she really dislikes what she sees.

"Her hectic life means she doesn't always eat the things she should: after the school run, she'll stop at the petrol station for sausage rolls and coffee, and she drinks a lot of energy drinks to keep herself going through her busy day."

A smoker since 14, Claire feels that now is the right time to change her ways.

The statement revealled that Claire's friends and family "have noticed a change in her personality.

"She used to be the life and soul of the party, but more and more shies away from being social."

It added: "At 31, Claire feels all of the extra weight she is carrying. She is sore and tired all of the time.

"Having tried every diet under the sun she thinks it's time to make a complete lifestyle change.

"She wants to learn how to lose weight in a safe and sustainable way and introduce a healthy lifestyle into her home."