THE FOUR LEADERS of RTÉ’s Operation Transformation have lost a combined total of over seven stone over the course of the show.

Noeleen Lynam, John Conmy, Lucy Dillon and Clare Scanlan have collectively shred 100 pounds since starting their food and fitness plans eight weeks ago.

Andres Poveda Andres Poveda

The ninth year of the RTÉ One series wraps up tonight in a special double-bill finale beginning at 8.30pm and continuing after the Nine O’Clock News.

Dan Kennedy, the fifth leader who withdrew from the challenge due to illness, will come back to join the group in the final programme.

“This year’s series has been the most emotional and inspiring that we have ever had,” presenter Kathryn Thomas said.

There have been plenty of tears along the way and I couldn’t be happier for John, Clare, Lucy and Noeleen that they have done so well on the plan.

That is not only borne out by their success on the scales but in the way that they have embraced this new lease on life and we saw that transformation for our own eyes when they took to the catwalk for the OT finale.

I know that Dan, even though he wasn’t able to continue with his plan for health reasons, is also on the path to a healthier life now.