Although Operation Transformation 2024 is just two episodes in, presenter Kathryn Thomas is already months deep into the project.
Now in its 17th season, the annual show follows five everyday people from across the country as they embark on a journey to improve their health and wellbeing, with the assistance of a panel of experts.
As long-time presenter, Thomas says she has "a really lovely time" getting to know the potential Leaders months before the show airs, explaining that building relationships of trust is an essential element to the show.
"I always have such admiration because there's a real sense of vulnerability from them," she tells me, speaking over the phone. "We would do a two hour interview, and that's as much for ourselves as for them, you only see a fraction of what goes out on the TV."
Getting everything out on the table allows the experts to get a real sense of potential Leaders and whether or not they're suitable for the show, even if they're not the most obvious candidate.
"Sometimes it's easier to be open and honest with people outside of your life than with people who are closest to you," she explains. "It might seem that's odd that there's people who don't really talk but then they're on national television, but I think, what people don't understand is that the method of picking our Leaders is so robust."
"Not everybody can be a Leader," she adds. "Some people aren't suitable or their reasons don't align with the show, so I don't think people understand how detailed that is. There's a full psychological assessment. When you're open to the public like this, it takes a lot of courage - especially when people's self confidence is in their boots. They've got to trust that we have got their back."
By the time filming begins, the Leaders are well and truly raring to go. Already, some of their stories have hit home - with viewers and Kathryn alike.
"I think all of them hit home for different reasons," she says. "What really struck me was Noel turning around, a man in his 50s, that him and his mates are calling their 50s and 60s sniper's alley. He kind of laughed it off, but when you think of the health related issues that creep in at that point for men and women, that was a conversation that really stuck with me."
Even after the show ends, Kathryn stays in touch with many of the Leaders, recently cheering on OT 2023 Leader Thomas Hynes at the Dublin City Marathon.
"I'm 100% passionate about every project that I take on, or at least I try to be, and Operation Transformation is very close to my heart.
"Its had its knocks, we've evolved over the years, but at the very essence of what we do, it's really about trying to instill confidence in people; in their abilities, their bodies, and their capabilities."
"It is life changing and life saving for a number of people as well," she adds." "I feel it's really important for me to watch the show and know that I've done it justice, and that I've done them justice."
Operation Transformation airs every Wednesday on RTÉ One.
