RTÉ's annual gerrup-off-that-couch show is back as 'Operation Transformation' kicked off its 2019 series last night. The opening episode is usually an emotional affair as participants share their reasons for wanting to sign up, but last night's one was particularly moving.
There were tears from pretty much everyone, and a very powerful conversation between leader Jean and host Kathryn Thomas that left everyone reaching for the tissues, them included.
Jean, you are amazing 🙌🏻 #OperationTransformation
— Astrid Brennan (@AstridBrennan) January 9, 2019
Jesus my heart goes out to Jean’s story on #OperationTransformation - my god she’s had it hard.
— Úna-Minh (is my first name not Úna) Chaomhánach (@unaminhkavanagh) January 9, 2019
If the judges are not nice to Jean I'm going to have to hunt them down #OperationTransformation
— Colette Sexton (@colette_sexton) January 9, 2019
Me watching #OperationTransformation. A super group of Leaders again this year. The whole country is behind you. We already know you are brilliant.. now prove it to yourselves! @OpTranRTE pic.twitter.com/g9AiQNgdg7
— Nuala Carey (@nualacarey25) January 9, 2019
Thanks for all your gorgeous supportive comments on tonight’s @OpTranRTE. The bravery and honesty of the 5 humans who lead the nation every yr blows me away. A leader is someone who opts… https://t.co/nY3IKUxt6s
— Kathryn Thomas (@gokathrynthomas) January 9, 2019
It was also a very empowering episode though and clearly motivated a lot of people as the 'Operation Transformation' app crashed during the show.
Anyone else having trouble selecting a leader on the App?? #OperationTransformation pic.twitter.com/4DjoWmEbMW
— Shiv Kelly (@shivkelli) January 9, 2019
Thanks to everyone asking about our new app, just to let you know there has been so much traffic we're having technical issues, but trying to sort as quickly as we can, will keep you posted! #OperationTransformation
— OT RTÉ (@OpTranRTE) January 9, 2019
In the midst of all that though, we had Karl Henry's very made up looking face during the ad break challenge, which viewers couldn't help remark on.
Why is Karl Henry the colour of Bart Simpson for the ad break challenge? I want to lose weight but not become yellow #OperationTransformation
— Byron Martin (@byronmartin8542) January 9, 2019
Just catching up on #OperationTransformation Don't follow @karlhenrypt on the make up front, exercise yes, but defo not the make up 😂😂💄
— Mags (@magsmccallig) January 10, 2019
Karl saw the joke of it all though and tweeted:
Here's hoping he filmed a bunch of them together and we get more of Henry's glowing face in next week's challenges.
'Operation Transformation' returns next Wednesday to RTÉ One at 9.35pm.
