Operation Transformation announces changes to show as Aoife Hearne departs  

Following "a slew of requests," RTÉ confirmed the upcoming series will also check in with previous leaders from series gone by "about their experiences since taking part in the show"

Aoife Hearne: I have decided after careful consideration, that it is time for me to leave

Irish Examiner columnist Aoife Hearne has announced that she is stepping down from RTE's Operation Transformation. 

The Registered Dietitian and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, the professional body for Dietitians in Ireland, has been a fixture on the series for 12 seasons.

In a statement, she said, "after a rewarding nine years and twelve series of working on Operation Transformation I have decided after careful consideration, that it is time for me to leave". 

"I wish the team of experts, Kathryn, series producer Niamh Maher and her team all the very best for the upcoming series."

Aoife announced her decision this morning as RTÉ confirmed details of the show's return in January.

In a statement, the broadcaster said the show would return on January 4 at 9:30pm with "five remarkable leaders, a refreshed visual identity and some new features". 

Sophie Pratt, a CORU registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics will replace Aoife Hearne on the show's panel, with Dr Sumi Dunne, Dr Eddie Murphy and Karl Henry all on board to return for the show's 16th season.

Sophie Pratt said she was "delighted" to be part of the Operation Transformation team and "really looking forward to guiding the leaders on their journey". 

"I hope that together we can inspire the general public to make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes for their own transformation in 2023.”

The new series will be broadcast from Stradbally, Co Laois and will follow five brand new leaders from all over the country who will take on a health and wellness plan under the careful supervision of four qualified experts with the aim of "resetting and kick-starting a new chapter in their lives". 

The leaders will have a weekly health check in where 14 health indicators, will be monitored. 

These include; Upper Body Strength, Balance, Lower Body Strength and Cardiovascular adding to the usual Hydration, Blood Pressure, Metabolic Age, Weight, General Health, Nutrition, Movement, among others. 

During the series, Professor Niall Moyna will also highlight the importance of everyday movement and how best to utilise outdoor amenities when it comes to daily exercise.

Following "a slew of requests," RTÉ said the upcoming series will also check in with previous leaders from series gone by "about their experiences since taking part in the show". 

• Operation Transformation returns Wednesday, January 4 at 21:30 on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.