Operation Transformation leader “inspired the nation” as show comes to an end

Operation Transformation has come to an end for another year.

And it was an emotional finale for the leaders who gave it their all over the past eight weeks.

All five leaders walked the catwalk on Wednesday night to showcase their newfound confidence and the changes they have undergone.

Over the course of the show, viewers fell in love with Michelle Rogan, 36, from Kilmessan, Co Meath, Anne Cushen, 56, from Kiltealy, Co Wexford, Noel O’Connell, 57, from Kilcullen, Co Kildare, Darragh Fitzgerald, 37, from Limerick and Edel O’Malley, 36, from Castlebar, Co Mayo.

After her grand reveal, Michelle confessed that she felt “beautiful” and that she had “confidence and belief in myself”.

Edel looked absolutely stunning and admitted that her participation in the show wasn’t about weight loss, saying: “That number reflects a small bit of what I’ve done over the past eight weeks.”

She went on to say: “I can do hard things, I don’t have to be so hard on myself all the time.”

Noel was joined by his 11-year-old show on the catwalk. He applied to the show after being diagnosed with tachycardia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type II diabetes and sleep apnoea.

“When I decided to do this, I took stock of my own health and thought it was time to start things a little more seriously,” he confessed.

Meanwhile, Darragh was absolutely blown away by his journey on the show.

“That’s probably been the most difficult and the most rewarding. I’m just very proud of my family – where we were at before Christmas to where we are now, it’s been absolutely fantastic,” he explained.

Before appearing on the show, Darragh had a tumour removed from his bowel and underwent intense chemotherapy. However, he was then diagnosed with atrial Fibrillation after attending hospital two years ago with an abnormal heart rhythm.

“I haven’t been this weight since I was sick. Yvonne’s never known me at this weight,” he said, speaking about his supportive wife.

However, it was leader Anne Cushen who “inspired the nation”. She celebrated her 56th birthday on the show and has osteoarthritis and has had two hip replacements, the most recent being last August.

“I feel so honoured to be here. I took so much from it. It is possible to change. Little changes will get you there,” she said.

Viewers took to Twitter to share their views of this season.