After 17 successful seasons, RTÉ has today announced that Operation Transformation has come to an end.
In a statement, RTÉ said: "As series come to an end each year, RTÉ undertakes an editorial review to ensure the audience is being best served and to refresh and renew its slate of programming. The decision on Operation Transformation was communicated some weeks ago to those involved including the experts and stakeholders."
Starting in 2008 with Gerry Ryan as presenter, the show selected hopefuls on his RTÉ 2FM radio show, following them as they attempted to reshape and reboot their lives.
Since 2012, Kathryn Thomas has been presenting the series, and has made the show her own with her empathetic and motivational style.
Whether they aimed to quit smoking, gain confidence, lose weight or enhance their mobility, dozens of leaders from all over Ireland have inspired thousands of viewers at home over the years.
Although the series has faced some controversy over its 17 years, with eating disorder organisation Bodywhys criticising the show for promoting a negative "dieting culture" in 2022, efforts were made to evolve the format, with more recent series encompassing a more holistic approach to adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In later episodes, 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.
The show welcomed a number of health and fitness experts to its panel over the years, with the latest batch of leaders working on their chapter of self-improvement with clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, dietitian Sophie Pratt, general practitioner Dr Sumi Dunne and fitness expert Karl Henry.
The latest season also brought a brand-new and cost-effective Meal Plan devised by OT expert Sophie Pratt, as well as the return of the weekly Ad Break Challenges, where fitness guru Karl Henry had people across the county moving at home.
As well as following the progress of the leaders on each week's show, audiences at home could follow recipes and meal plans, and train for the Operation Transformation 5k that took place in the Phoenix Park every February.
For many, Operation Transformation was an annual must-watch, heralding the new year and new opportunities.
Speaking on the end of the long-running show, presenter Kathryn Thomas said:
"It has been an incredible privilege to be a part of Operation Transformation for the past 14 years and I am so so proud of the legacy the show is leaving behind. 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. And I learnt so much from all our incredible experts down through the years too.
"It's been one hell of a journey! 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.
