RTÉ calls time on Operation Transformation

RTÉ has today announced that Operation Transformation (OT) is to end after 17 seasons.

The broadcaster said the decision to cease the show came after an editorial review and was communicated some weeks ago to those involved, including the experts and stakeholders.

The most recent - and now last-ever - recent series of the show was in partnership with Westmeath County Council.

This meant that the contestants' weekly updates were based in Kilbeggan while a number of fitness challenges took place in Athlone, Moate and other parts of the county.

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."

The series kicked off in 2008, when it initially saw presenter Gerry Ryan select hopefuls on his RTÉ 2FM radio show, following them as they attempted to reshape and reboot their lives, guided by experts in the fields of nutrition, weight loss and psychology.

Kathryn Thomas has been presenting the series since 2012.

Grainne McAleer, Commissioning Editor, RTÉ, said: "We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all of the leaders who have participated in the series over the past 17 seasons and to the public who engaged with the series in huge numbers across Ireland.

"We are proud of the positive impact the show has had on individuals and communities across the country, but feel it’s time to refresh and renew our offering to the audience."

RTÉ said it would announce a new series for January 2025 later in the year.