The mother of re-invention... Kathryn cuts short maternity leave for show

NEW mother Kathryn Thomas is already back to work, after being named the host of Ireland’s Fittest Family. Kathryn and her fiancé Pádraig McLoughlin welcomed their first child, Ellie, in March.

And while the RTÉ host said just weeks after her daughter’s arrival that she did not plan to return to our screens until September as she was enjoying a break from her hectic work schedule, she has since decided to cut her maternity leave short.

‘I’m delighted to take on the series as it’s reinvigorated this year,’ said Kathryn, who started filming for the new series of the popular fitness show at the weekend.

The Operation Transformation star is a new addition to the Ireland’s Fittest Family team, as former presenter Mairéad Ronan takes a break from hosting the show as she prepares to give birth to her third child in the coming weeks.

‘Fitness is a huge area of interest for me and I’m really looking forward to taking up the baton from Mairéad and getting stuck in,’ said Kathryn, pictured. ‘I wish her all the best for the rest of her pregnancy and her own big adventures in the months ahead.’

Coaches Anna Geary, Davy Fitzgerald, Donncha O’Callaghan and Derval O’Rourke will be returning to the RTÉ Sunday evening show, which sees families from around the country compete in tough challenges in order to be crowned the fastest and strongest family.

This series promises to be even tougher, as the world-renowned ATS Team, who have designed stunt experiences for television shows such as The Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior and The Biggest Loser, have designed daring new challenges for the families.

Mairéad Ronan wished Carlowborn Kathryn, 39, the best of luck as she steps into her role.

‘It’s hard to step back from the work family this year, but the timing on this one made the decision for me,’ explained Mairéad.

‘I look forward to tuning in with my own bigger family this autumn.’

Kathryn appears to be embracing life as a new mother, regularly taking to Instagram to talk about baby Ellie.

‘Incredible how our lives altered completely when this little human was put on my chest,’ she wrote in a recent post.

‘Totally sleep-deprived, but never been happier.’