RTÉ's Operation Transformation comes to an end after 17 seasons
Operation Transformation
After 17 seasons, RTÉ has announced that Operation Transformation will not be returning to our screens in January.
The decision to axe the show follows an editorial review by the broadcaster. The decision was communicated some weeks ago to those involved including the experts and stakeholders.
The final series of the show aired in January of this year.
The health and fitness series first aired in 2008, with hopeful contestants selected by Gerry Ryan on his RTÉ 2FM radio show, all bidding to improve their health and wellbeing.
The show, which has been presented by Kathryn Thomas since 2012, featured dozens of leaders from all corners of the country.
The leaders were kept accountable by checking in weekly with the panel of experts and inspiring thousands of viewers at home to follow their lead and plans.
Throughout the years, the series transitioned towards a more holistic approach to health, without focusing solely on weight loss.
In recent series, leaders underwent a weekly health check-in where various additional health indicators were monitored including Upper Body Strength, Balance, Lower Body Strength and Cardiovascular as well as Hydration, Blood Pressure, Metabolic Age, Weight, General Health, Nutrition, and Movement.
Kathryn Thomas said it was "an incredible privilege" to be a part of the show for the past 14 years.
"I am so so proud of the legacy the show is leaving behind," she said.
"To be able to shine a national spotlight on the importance of looking after our health through our amazing leaders, ordinary people living ordinary lives, who opened up their hearts and homes in the most extraordinary ways. Every single one of you inspired me.
RTÉ commissioning editor Grainne McAleer expressed her gratitude to those who made the show so special.
“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all of the leaders who have participated in the series over the past 17 seasons and to the public who engaged with the series in huge numbers across Ireland.”
“We are proud of the positive impact the show has had on individuals and communities across the country, but feel it’s time to refresh and renew our offering to the audience."
“I’d particularly like to pay tribute to Kathryn Thomas who took up the reins from Gerry Ryan and really made the show her own. Her empathy for the leaders and her commitment to the show really connected with audiences."
Ms Thomas added: "I know there will be so many people who will miss OT when January rolls around. I will too!! But keep the momentum going in your communities, your GAA clubs, your local Park Runs, That is where the support is when you need it. I, for one, will continue to vocalise the importance of prioritising health wherever I can too.
"Thank you to RTÉ for trusting me at the helm for all these years and I look forward to the exciting new projects ahead in 2025."
RTÉ will announce a new series for January 2025 later in the year.
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