RTÉ revealed the leaders for the first series of Celebrity Operation Transformation. Comedian Katherine Lynch, solicitor Gerald Kean, face of TV3’s Midday Elaine Crowley, funny man Karl Spain and RTÉ Radio 1 reporter Brenda Donohue are confirmed to take part in the new spin-off series.
Celebrity Operation Transformation will shadow the five celebrities across a month as they inspire viewers to get back in shape post summer following the OT food and fitness plan. Tune in to see Katherine, Gerald, Elaine, Karl and Brenda face the scales and the experts at the weekly weigh in, and experience the highs and lows as they embark on one of their biggest challenges to date.
Comedian and TV personality Katherine Lynch said: “I’m too heavy for my height and I feel I have two stone to lose. I’m one of these people that pays for a gym membership of €500 a year and ends up going once so it’s a very expensive hobby! I’ve watched the series and I’m a fan of the show. I’m from Leitrim and a lot of my friends have followed the Operation Transformation plan and have had really positive results. I’m hoping for the same.”
RTÉ Radio 1 reporter Brenda Donohue said: “I’m a big fan of Operation Transformation and I’ve watched the show and thought I should do the plan but I’ve never taken the leap. Like a lot of other women I yo-yo up and down when it comes to my weight. Two years ago I was at the proper weight for my height but since then I’ve put on two stone. I feel the pounds just slipped back on. Last week I celebrated a landmark birthday – I turned 50 and now I feel my joints can’t take the weight. It’s a reality check. For my heart, my joints and my health I need to give myself the best chance and make significant changes. I’m delighted to get started on the OT plan. I cover so many lifestyle stories on Radio 1 that I think it’s time for me to lead the way and I’m hoping having followers all over the country will be the motivation I need.”
Actor and comedian Karl Spain said: “My New Year’s resolution was to lose weight, to get healthier and I've kind of put it off... well it was my New Year’s resolution in 1994! So this is me finally catching up with myself! I have dieted loads over the years. Thirteen years ago I was going to the gym five times a week. I was three or four stone lighter than I am now and I was loving it but then I took a break for a couple of weeks and those weeks ended up being a couple of years. My weight used to fluctuate and now it’s just gone up and up. I’ve kept all my clothes from when I was skinny and I’ve a pair of white jeans I’m determined to get back into!”
Celebrity Operation Transformation also wants to hear from groups, workplaces and communities across the country who are hosting special events to promote health and fitness weekends in September. If you are planning something to help people get up and be active, we want to highlight it and we may even send one of our five celebrities along to take part. Contact the Operation Transformation team at: ot@rte.ie
