Turning over a new leaf

OPERATION TRANSFORMATION

RTE One, 9.35pm

AFTER a December of overindulging, many of us turn over a new leaf in the new year and this January is no different.

Now in its 12th season, Operation Transformation is back to help five Irish people change their lives for the better in 2019.

Along with giving the leaders a lifestyle makeover, the show has undergone a transformation itself with a new base, a new medical expert and new challenges. Dr Sumi Dunne is joining fitness guru Karl Henry, psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy and dietician Aoife Hearne for this year’s show, with presenter Kathryn Thomas returning to oversee the lot.

Hoping to leave his unhealthy habits behind him is first leader Cathal Gallagher, who hails from Ballyshannon in Co Donegal.

Tipping the scales at nearly 27st, this paramedic wants to lose weight and set a good example for his young daughter Maja.

Sligo man Paul Murphy has a busy life, running his hotel and raising his young family. At the moment he weighs 20st but wants to slim down and get healthier, after his dad passed away at a young age.

Mum-of-four Pamela Swayne has tried all kinds of diets in the past but hasn’t managed to keep the weight off.

The Cork woman, who weighs nearly 14st, wants to transform herself before she turns 40.

Secondary school teacher Siobhan O’brien was very active growing up, but her weight has fluctuated since she left college seven years ago. Now the Dubliner, who weighs in at 17st 4.5lbs, is aiming to shed the excess pounds and hopes to run the Dublin City Marathon.

Weighing just over 15st, Limerick woman Jean Tierney wants to prioritise her health in 2019 after a very difficult 12 months.

Last year, her baby daughter Sloane passed away just five days after being born.

Now, Jean wants to move on and wants to slim down ahead of her wedding to fiance Paddy.