RTÉ's Operation Transformation comes to an end after 17 seasons

Kenneth Fox

RTÉ has announced that Operation Transformation is to come to an end after 17 seasons.

After the end of each series, 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 broadcaster said.

The programme first aired in 2008, with Gerry Ryan selecting hopefuls on his RTÉ 2FM show.

Following Ryan's death, Kathryn Thomas began presenting the series in 2012.

In recent series, leaders underwent a weekly health check-in where various additional health indicators were monitored.

The final series of the show, which aired earlier this year, featured clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, dietician Sophie Pratt, general practitioner Dr Sumi Dunne and fitness expert Karl Henry.

Grainne McAleer, commissioning editor for 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 confirmed it will announce a new series for January 2025 later in the year.