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RTE

After 17 years, RTÉ's controversial Operation Transformation has been axed

The RTÉ weight-loss series has been running since 2008, with its 17th season airing earlier this year.

RTÉ HAS ANNOUNCED that series Operation Transformation has officially come to a close after 17 seasons.

The series, which began in 2008, was broadcast each January and each year followed five new ‘leaders’ who hoped to reshape their lives with a change of lifestyle. 

The show was popular with audiences but it also attracted criticism for how it portrayed weight loss and “dieting culture”.

In 2023, the Department of Health stopped their sponsorship of the programme, after having spent €230,000 on the show in both 2021 and 2022.

Originally presented by Gerry Ryan, Kathryn Thomas took over the series in 2012. 

In a statement issued today, Thomas said that it had been an “incredible privilege” to be involved with the series. 

“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,” she said.

Other figures on the show included clinical psychologist Dr. Eddie Murphy,  Coru Registered Dietician Sophie Pratt, general practitioner Dr Sumi Dunne and fitness expert Karl Henry.

RTÉ have said that they will announce a new series for January 2025 later on this year.

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