Operation Transformation returns on January 4

RTÉ has announced that Operation Transformation (OT), will return on Wednesday, January 4, at 9.30pm with five remarkable leaders, a refreshed visual identity and some new features as it continues to inspire audiences to live a longer, healthier, happier life. It connects communities all over Ireland with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing.

This new series sees five brand new leaders from all over the country take on a health and wellness plan under the careful supervision of four qualified experts with the aim of resetting and kick-starting a new chapter in their lives. Presenter Kathryn Thomas will be on hand to encourage the leaders every step of the way.

Now entering its 16th series, the show has continued to evolve each year with 72% of viewers who tuned into the show last season saying they were motivated to make one or more changes to improve their health.

The evolution continues this year with the focus still very much on overall health and well-being. The leaders will have a weekly health check in where 14 health indicators, will be monitored. These include Upper Body Strength, Balance, Lower Body Strength and Cardiovascular adding to the usual Hydration, Blood Pressure, Metabolic Age, Weight, General Health, Nutrition, Movement, among others. During the series Professor Niall Moyna will also highlight the importance of everyday movement and how best to utilise outdoor amenities when it comes to daily exercise.

Following a slew of requests from viewers for updates on how previous leaders are getting on since their transformation journey on the show, the upcoming series will check in with our previous leaders about their experiences since taking part in the show. Leaders will share their personal stories and their own tips, their highs, and lows as they continue to prioritise health and well-being in their lives.

Former OT leader Katie Jones will host the brand-new OT podcast. Katie was hugely popular with viewers last year and has been an inspiration to this series’ upcoming leaders. Each week Katie will also talk to a former leader in the company of one of the OT experts to help everyone on their wellness journey.

OT is also set to welcome new dietitian Sophie Pratt. Sophie, a CORU registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics, joins Dr Sumi Dunne, Dr Eddie Murphy and Karl Henry on the panel of experts for 2023.

On joining the new show, Sophie Pratt said: “I am delighted to be part of the Operation Transformation team and I am really looking forward to guiding the leaders on their journey. I hope that together we can inspire the general public to make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes for their own transformation in 2023.”

This year, OT will broadcast from Stradbally, Co Laois. Each week the leaders will meet the experts here as they chart their weekly Health Check-In. In partnership with SVT Activity and Wellness Hub and Laois County Council, the county will host the weekly Ad Break Challenges where OT Fitness Karl Henry will be on hand to get the community moving and the series will aim to boost awareness of health and well-being initiatives in the area.

Fitness OT expert and coach Karl Henry said: “Health and wellness have never been more important for our viewers, and I can’t wait to show them how everyone can get healthy in 2023.”

Also, back for 2023, is Ireland Lights Up. This popular initiative in collaboration with the GAA encourages clubs from the 32 counties to open their grounds and allow people to safely walk under their lights. After a tough couple of years, the GAA and Get Ireland Walking are delighted to invite communities back into the safe outdoor spaces where everyone can get moving at their own pace.

Sport Ireland, The Local Sports Partnerships and OT will again work to bring communities safely together. With the highlight being the 5K in the Phoenix Park on February 18th, 2023.

OT expert and HSE Clinical Psychologist, Dr Eddie Murphy said: “I am very excited to be involved in Operation Transformation for my 13th year, promoting mental health and wellbeing in all its facets including promoting the authentic self, positive psychology and ensuring wellbeing for the head and the heart.”

The five leaders began their transformation back in November when they were fully assessed by the experts. They also underwent the Health-Related Fitness Test under the direction of Professor Niall Moyna and his team at Dublin City University. The experts use all the information gathered to devise a plan tailored to the individual needs of each leader.

OT expert and General Practitioner, Dr Sumi said: “I am delighted to be involved with series 16 of Operation Transformation. It will be a fantastic eight weeks. We have super leaders whom we have the privilege of getting to know and accompanying them on their journey to wellness and health. A special honour also to be in Co. Laois – particularly as it is my home county!”

Operation Transformation airs Wednesday 4th January at 21:30 on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.