Critics of RTÉ show Operation Transformation have blasted the programme this morning for its “bullying” and “humiliation” of contestants.
The row came about after Dr. Ciara Kelly blasted leader Eilish Kavanagh, who failed to meet her weight loss targets for the week.
Footage earlier in the broadcast showed Wexford woman Eilish, 47, enjoying a day out at the races with some friends and indulging in a break from her routine by enjoying a few drinks.
She lost 1lb over the course of the week, half of the target set for her by the panel.
Speaking to Eilish at her weigh-in, Dr. Kelly said: ‘This week was an abomination.”
This week I was embarrassed for you and I was disgusted to see you. You let the programme down, you let your followers down and with respect to you Eilish, you let yourself down.”
“Operation Transformation is about getting the country healthy and one of our five leaders went out this week and got drunk on TV.”
“It’s what it looked like and I was disgusted because there are people around the country following you.”
“I thought that was appalling.”