Operation Transformation finale: A fitting end to the grueling journey for participants
Kathryn Thomas at the Operation Transformation finale with participants with Noel O’Connell, Michelle Rogan, Edel O’Malley, Anne Cushen and Darragh Fitzgerald. Pictures: Andres Poveda
And so here we are - after eight weeks of air fryers, pushback against push-ups and resistance to lentils we have finally reached the Operation Transformation summit. As our finale shows, these leaders have undergone some serious changes, and their families are here to celebrate them in all their healthier glory.
Working mom Edel opens the show, wowing the audience with her stunning makeover and receiving words of praise from both her husband and girlfriends who refer to seeing a return of the Edel they have known and loved over the years.
Next up is Noel, a lily white who is looking a lot less white and a lot more healthy as he rocks up to results day in what is quite the dapper ensemble. His ever patient wife Caitriona who had to put up with Noel’s many attempts at cooking in what will go down in OT history as the show’s most impressive kitchen. Hearing that Noel’s metabolic age has reduced to 51 is an incredible result, and the positive impact of this journey can’t be denied.
Meanwhile, Darragh from Limerick has lost a whopping 2 stone 12 pounds, and while the experts are keen to emphasise this isn’t about weight loss, the numbers are nonetheless staggering. Hearing Darragh is foregoing the negative self-talk for more positive inner monologues is a lovely update to this father’s journey, with his wife Yvonne joking that he is telling himself he’s hot whenever he looks in the mirror.
We laugh nervously hoping this is a slight exaggeration, but who could blame Darragh given that even presenter Kathryn Thomas couldn’t get over his physical transformation? Move over Paul Mescal, there’s a new heartthrob in town.
Jessica Rabbit wouldn’t get a look in when Michelle appears looking beautiful in a one shoulder gúna, and movingly talks about overcoming health anxiety, an oft overlooked anxiety and one which can be as crippling as any other more commonly discussed mental health issue. Michelle’s ability to perform 29 full press-ups in 30 seconds is made all the more incredible when we remember she battled injury during the process, and it testifies to the tenacity of this Meath residing Dubliner.
Finally, Anne from Wexford has undergone the biggest transformation out of any leader ever in terms of movement according to Dr Eddie, with Anne’s journey highlighting the holistic approach of RTÉ’s flagship health programme and broader interpretation of fitness when compared to similar international formats.
This finale was not the most entertaining of episodes given that much of it consisted of obligatory trips down memory lane and rehashing previous footage, but it was nonetheless a fitting end to these participants' journeys, one which rightly saw their achievements celebrated and consistent efforts lauded.
What this finale lacked in excitement, it made up for in heartfelt sentiment, and felt a fitting and satisfying end to what has been a grueling journey for these five very different, very human leaders.
