Operation Transformation To End After 17 Seasons

Operation Transformation is to come to an end after 17 seasons, RTÉ have confirmed.

The weight loss programme was presented by Kathryn Thomas since 2012, and became a popular staple show in the RTÉ schedule. However, it did receive criticism over its approach.

Reacting to this news, Kathryn Thomas said it was "an incredible privilege" to be part of a series. She also said that she is "proud of the legacy the show is leaving behind". 

Confirming its plans to end the series, RTÉ released this statement.

"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", they said. 

"The series, which kicked off in 2008, 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". 

Elsewhere, Commissioning Editor for RTÉ Gráinne McAleer also added: "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". 

"I'd also like to thank the experts, past and present, who have been so dedicated to Operation Transformation and to guiding participants on their wellness journey. I'd particularly like to pay tribute to Kathryn Thomas who took up the reins from Gerry Ryan and really made the show her own. Her empathy for the leaders and her commitment to the show really connected with audiences. RTÉ have a number of exciting projects fronted by Kathryn in development at the moment and look forward to bringing them to audiences in the near future". 

"Finally, a big thank you to VIP Productions and Philip Kampff who have steered this very big ship so well over the past 17 years and all the production staff and many crew who travelled the length and breadth of the country for OT".