Fans were shocked over the weekend when it was confirmed that Operation Transformation would be coming to an end after 17 seasons.
RTÉ confirmed the news in a statement that read: “RTÉ has today announced that Operation Transformation (OT) is to end after 17 seasons.
“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.”
Now, Kathryn Thomas, who helmed the show for 14 years has looked back fondly at her time as the host.
She shared a collage of pictures and videos from her time as the presenter of the show since 2010.
She took over from the original host, Gerry Ryan and continued to present the series until it finished up this year.
The mam of two shared a lengthy caption that read: “Every start line has a finishing line and all good things must come to an end….. there have been a lot of laughs, tears and WhatsApp group messages reminiscing with the @rteoperationtransformation gang over the past few weeks it’s been one hell of a journey!!! There isn’t a parish or petrol station in Ireland we have not visited.
“What an incredible privilege it’s been to be a part of @rteoperationtransformation for the past 14 years (taking over from the OG OT host himself MrG Ryan changed my life) and I am so so proud of everything we have achieved and of the legacy @rteoperationtransformation is leaving behind.”
View this post on Instagram
She went on to say: ” To be able to shine a national spotlight on the importance of looking after our health through our amazing, amazing leaders, ordinary people living ordinary lives, who opened up their hearts and homes in the most extraordinary ways. Every single one of you inspired me. As I always said at the end of every series … “a pack of absolute feckin’ legends!!!” There are not enough words that could explain how many people you have individually and collectively helped and inspired.”
She thanked all the “incredible experts” who worked on the show over the years as well as “Philip Kampf and all the team and crews @ VIP Productions” who worked on Operation Transformation over the years.
“I know there will be so many people who will miss OT when January rolls around. I will too!! But keep the momentum going in your communities, your GAA clubs, your local Park Runs. That is where the support is when you need it. I, for one, will continue to vocalize the importance of prioritizing health wherever I can too.
“Thank you to RTÉ for trusting me at the helm for all these years and I look forward to the exciting new projects ahead in 2025.”
She concluded by saying: “But this evening I’m raising a glass to every single leader who ever appeared on the show. We will be forever grateful to you and your families for your honesty, vulnerability courage and strength.”
It truly is the end of an era.
