Donegal celebrity chef Gary O’Hanlon is among a number of well-known faces to be unveiled as part of RTE’s Celebrity Operation Transformation later this year.
The Ramelton man joins singing sensation Mary Byrne, beauty expert Triona McCarthy, social media influencer James Patrice and singer Kayleigh Cullinan on the latest series of the hit show heading for Irish screens in September.
Kathryn Thomas is back to host four one-hour episodes on RTE as the leaders are put through their paces by the experts and face the dreaded weekly weigh-in.
Chef Gary, 39, admits it’s his kids getting more active that have spurred him on to take on the challenge.
The Donegal man currently weights 15 stone.
Chef Gary O’Hanlon
O’Hanlon – who has previously blasted food served up at Irish hospitals – said: “I’m most looking forward to a change of lifestyle. Very few chefs look after themselves.
“The trigger was probably wee Ollie being born last year, Cora’s three-and-a-half, my daughter, and the wee boy’s 11 months old.
“He’ll turn one right when we start and you know what, I don’t want to be an out of shape daddy when they start getting more active.”
Presenter Kathryn revealed: “We have five brilliant leaders on our hands this year who are brave enough to let cameras into their homes and lives as they face this struggle head on and set about losing the weight they feel is holding them back.
“Lots of people across the country will have put on weight over the summer holidays so join us – choose a celebrity to follow and start losing the pounds together.”
And ex-Tesco worker Mary said she was thrilled she was asked to take part.
The 58-year-old revealed: “Well I was shocked when I was approached to take part because I watched the programme last year when Elaine Crowley was on and I said to myself ‘Jeez I’d love to do that – give it a chance, boost my morale up’.
“I was over excited and still in disbelief. I had to ring my manager back to find out was she messing so I was thrilled, really thrilled.”
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