Operation Transformation is back, which means it's time to break out the leggings, set your goals for the year ahead, and – most importantly – meet your new Leaders!
Viewers will once again follow five inspiring people from across the country as they take on a health and wellness plan with the aim of resetting and kick-starting a new chapter in their lives.
Following the reveal of Stephanie Bowden, Andrea Daly, Thomas Hynes, and Lorraine Dempsey as the first four Leaders of OT 2023, we can now reveal that the final Leader of this year's show is 32-year-old Marie Clear.
Marie lives with her mum, Angela, in Cashel, Co Tipperary, and works part-time as an SNA (Special Needs Assistant) with children living with disabilities.
Marie was born with Achondroplasia - a genetic condition that slows down the growth of bone in the cartilage of the growth plate - and says that her independence is extremely important to her.
Fearful that her health and weight were going in the wrong direction, she decided to join OT and follow a professional plan to start making changes to her movement, exercise, and nutrition.
A smoker, since she was 14, Marie watched keenly as 2022 Leader Stefano Sweetman gave up the habit. She would love expert support to do the same.
Speaking on becoming a Leader, Marie said: "I am looking forward to starting my journey on Operation Transformation 2023 and very thankful for this opportunity. It will bring me where I need to be for the future as my independence is very important to me. I look forward to meeting so many new people on my journey and showing them if you put your mind to something, everything will fall into place. Trust in yourself and you can achieve anything."
The long-running show returns to screens on Wednesday, 4th January, 2023 at 9.30pm on RTÉ One.
