"At the end of the day, the leaders are all given a choice."

Kathryn Thomas has defended Operation Transformation against constant criticism over one of its most controversial elements. The RTÉ show revolves around contestants or 'leaders' who aim to lose weight and improve their lifestyle over a number of weeks. Each year, they are required to wear revealing Lycra outfits at their weekly weigh-ins - something that has been referred to by many viewers as "fat-shaming" and "humiliating". “I mean, we get criticism every year about the Lycra and at the end of the day the leaders are all given a choice," Kathryn told the Irish Daily Mirror. “I think all the girls last year wore vests, so they are given a choice. And there are some women and some men who actually like to see the physical transformation as the weeks go on that is visible when you are in a top and shorts. "But again, I don’t know in terms of if they are changing the format this year. “I would imagine it is [still happening]. But as far as I know, it is what has worked and how the show has been produced over the last number of years.” In 2020, Katherine showed solidarity with the team of leaders by stepping out in her own version of the Lycra outfits. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DFmnbpaCx/?utm_source=ig_embed "In honour of all of our leaders hard work, dedication and bravery over the last eight weeks, here’s me in my Lycra for once!" she wrote on Instagram. "This ethos of this programme is to educate people in the whole area of fitness and nutrition so as to improve their health. "But, just as importantly, the show is about encouraging people to love and respect their bodies and regain their confidence which has been entirely lost. "To stand on TV in your jocks, especially if your self esteem is in your boots, is not easy. But the courage and confidence it takes means the desire and momentum for change is already in motion." While the outfits may be staying for 2022's upcoming season, the presenter teased that there may be a "shift" in certain other aspects of the show. Dietitian Aoife Hearne, general practitioner Dr Sumi Dunne, fitness coach Karl Henry and principal clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy will return to mentor the new team of leaders. Operation Transformation will return for its 15th season in January 2022.