Operation Transformation is back, which means it's time to take stock, set goals for the year ahead, and – most importantly – meet your new OT leaders!
The new season will kick off on RTÉ One on Wednesday, 3 January at 9:35pm with five brand-new leaders as it continues to connect communities all over Ireland with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing.
Ahead of the 17th season kicking off, we can finally reveal that Anne Cushen and Noel O'Connell will join Edel O'Malley on the OT24 lineup.
55-year-old Anne is a Wexford native, and lives with her husband Thomas, as well as their two adult children, Sean (23) and Breda (21).
Although she considers herself to be outgoing and social (she lives to hit the dance floor), Anne has been suffering with osteoarthritis, and has had two hip replacements with the most recent one being in August 2023. She has found the recovery from this operation to be a lot slower than she would like, and would like to get back and feel like a 55-year-old woman.
Speaking on her role as an OT leader, Anne said: "I look forward to getting my mobility back and not feeling trapped in my stiff body. I hope to gain a freedom that will let me live life to the full in the future with osteoarthritis. I just want to feel normal."
56-year-old Noel hails from Kilcullen, Co Kildare, where he lives with his wife Katrina along with their four sons Daniel (24), Jack (21) Niall (17) and Ollie (10).
Noel is the owner of Bathaus, a bathroom showroom and fitting service in Kildare. Outside of work, he is an avid kayaker - he's even competed for Ireland.
Noel’s health has been a concern to him in the last 18 months following a diagnosis of tachycardia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type II diabetes and sleep apnea.
All of these health conditions are a catalyst for Noel to make a change to his lifestyle, improve his fitness and become healthier for himself and his family.
Speaking on the journey, Noel said: "I’m really looking forward to working with the experts, it’s a fantastic opportunity. Where or when will one ever receive this level of expertise investing in you!
"Ultimately at the end of Operation Transformation, I hope to achieve my goals of reversing my health issues, achieving my goal weight, understanding food, changing my eating habits, and gaining the mental strength of putting everything I learn into practice for many years to come. And along the way hopefully help to inspire others to do the same."
This year's show will move to a new home in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath. Each week the five leaders (who will all be revealed in early January) will have their Health Check-In at St James Hall.
In partnership with Westmeath County Council, the county will host the weekly Ad Break Challenges where Karl Henry gets groups from across the county moving, as well as the audience at home.
This season will also see the launch of a brand-new Meal Plan devised by OT expert, CORU registered dietitian, and member of the Irish Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sophie Pratt, aiming to aid a more sustainable approach to healthy eating that also reflects the cost-of-living crisis.
