Lucy helps launch search for Transformation leaders

Operation Transformation is on the hunt for five new leaders to inspire the country in 2017 as the series celebrates its tenth year.  Presenter Kathryn Thomas and radio partner Ray D’Arcy joined four of last year's leaders Lucy Dillon, Noeleen Lynam, John Conmy and Clare Scanlan to launch a nationwide search for new leaders for the upcoming series.

The leaders from series nine continued their health journeys long after the cameras stopped rolling and collectively lost 11st 3.5lbs since starting on the OT Plan. This week, they posed with sacks of potatoes to illustrate how much weight they’ve shed in 2016 in a bid to inspire others to get involved in January. 

Operation Transformation presenter Kathryn Thomas said: “This is a really special year for Operation Transformation. We’ve just finished our first ever celebrity spin-off series and now we’re gearing up for an amazing tenth season! I’d encourage anyone who has been thinking about making a change to in their lifestyle or fans of OT who’ve been meaning to get involved, to stop waiting and apply today. Last year’s leaders are proof that the Operation Transformation plan works and that you can lose weight and keep it off. So don’t hold back and make 2017 your year.”

RTÉ Radio 1 partner Ray D’Arcy said: “I was amazed by how this year’s leaders embraced the change in lifestyle and I’m so happy to see they’ve kept it going. Anyone who’s thinking about signing up should know it can be really tough but in the end the effort is worth it and think how much better you’ll feel.”

This afternoon on The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1, last year’s leaders put out a nationwide call to find five new leaders for the 2017 series. 

Do you struggle with your weight? Would you like to change your relationship with eating and exercise? Is your current weight holding you back from living the life you want to? Would you like 2017 to be the year you transform yourself? If you’ve answered yes to those questions then the Operation Transformation team would love to hear from you.

If you think you have what it takes and want to change your life for the better log on to www.rte.ie/ot to download an application form. If you have any queries or would like an application form sent in the post, please call Helen or Elisha on 01 864 1444 or email ot@vipmg.tv The closing date for applications is Friday, 4 November 2016.

The tenth series of Operation Transformation, which will air on RTÉ One, will be sponsored by safefood.

Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director, Human Health & Nutrition with safefood said: “Operation Transformation is a really important aspect of the nation’s struggle with weight at a time when the majority (two in three) of us adults are overweight or obese. The inspirational leaders, year after year, show in a really practical way how changes can be made in our daily lives to what we eat and how active we are. Their very real stories resonate with us and have inspired many to make changes; our research at safefood found that this year alone, over 280,000 people reported losing weight as a result of following the show. Operation Transformation also jump starts the year with an important focus on our personal weight and we hope the show continues to encourage communities right across the island to tackle one of the most important social health issues we face.”