RTE viewers were left feeling emotional after a touching moment between father and son on the second instalment of Operation Transformation on Wednesday night.
As the brave leaders sat down to re-watch the first episode of the weight-loss show with their families, some were left teary-eyed.
Viewers were touched at the reaction of John Ryan’s family, a 49-year-old truck driver from Ballyragget, Kilkenny, who is participating in this year’s show.
John and his three children welled up as they watched his wife Selena explain why she was proud of him for taking part.
His son spoke about their loving home environment, saying: “The minute we walk through the door there’s just that feeling of love from everyone. We mightn’t get on all the time but there is always love there.”
One person wrote: “John’s son holding back tears was so touching.”
Another person added: “The moment between John & his son stole my heart!”
One woman said: “Awh John's family… when he said you can feel the love the minute you walk into the house.”
Other viewers loved the comic interaction between John and his wife Selena as he learned how to chop vegetables in an attempt to stick to the healthy eating plan.
One Twitter user wrote: “John and Selena need their own tv show.”
Another agreed, saying: “Give John and Selena their own spin-off series please.”
The fitness programme, hosted by Kathryn Thomas, will span for eight weeks as the audience see the leaders - John, Sarah, Stefano, Kathleen, and Katie - undertake the challenge and look to the experts for help in achieving their lifestyle goals.
However, it has attracted controversy this year after almost 8,000 people signed a petition to axe the RTE show.
Last week from some experts, with eating disorder group BodyWhys saying it was “triggering” to some of its service users.
Bodywhys released a statement criticising the series for what it says was the considerable emphasis on dieting, body weight and shape and how each is measured, collectively counted and presented.
RTE was forced to defend Operation Transformation, saying the TV series has evolved considerably over the years and now encompasses a more holistic approach to adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as losing weight.
