It's hard to believe it, but it's only about six weeks until the 2018 series of Operation Transformation gets underway. That's a lot of mince pies we will have to cram in before the obligatory New Year's health kick begins.

The show is already in the process of picking their leaders, and today, the first one was revealed on The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1.

Hailing from Kiltimagh in Co. Mayo, her name is Mary Diamond and she's a 52-year-old Montessori teacher and owner, as well as a mother to three children.

Mary’s main motivation for applying this year was her eldest son Gary who has Down Syndrome, wanting to be the best mother she can be for him.

Describing the first leader, Kathryn told Ray that you might call her 'an absolute gem'.

Mary is 13 stone and 2 pounds, and she told Ray that before the weight used to fall off a lot easier, but thinks maybe she loves the food just a little bit more now than she did before.

"I’m a bit worried about the challenges, but I’m in it now, and I’m going with it," Mary said. "I know I’ll have loads of people behind me here in town!"

Watch the moment Mary found out below:

You can listen to the segment on The Ray D'Arcy Show here.