"Very occasionally, these tests will reveal some results our candidate won't be aware of."

The first leader of Operation Transformation 2020 has been forced to quit the show. Claire Beakhurst, from Malahide, Dublin, was forced to pull out from the series this week due to medical reasons. RTÉ reports that Dr. Sumi Dunne broke the news to Claire yesterday, explaining that an anomaly in her blood tests meant that it would be potentially unsafe for her to take part in the show. "Casting for Operation Transformation is paramount, with a rigorous multi-faceted process, which includes detailed on-line application forms, research calls, house visits and a GP visit to include blood pressure checks and blood tests," she said. "Very occasionally, these tests will reveal some results our candidate won't be aware of. In this instance with Claire, the blood tests indicated a possible anomaly. Given this was an unexpected result, a second set of blood tests were requested for Claire, which confirmed an issue. "The health and well-being of all the leaders is of the utmost importance for me and the team. For Claire, medical management of this condition and appropriate care is now the priority. As Claire will need to commence treatment, it is prudent for these medical reasons that Claire steps back from the OT journey of 2020." Leaders are required to undergo rigorous testing prior to the series to ensure that they are healthy enough to adapt to the considerable dietary and lifestyle changes associated with the show. A new leader is expected to be announced later today.