Ireland’s Fittest Family shake-up sees new presenter confirmed and legendary coach joining

The show will return later this year.

2FM presenter Laura Fox has been announced as the new host of Ireland’s Fittest Family alongside new coach Sonia O'Sullivan. The presenter is set to replace Mairead Ronan on the show on RTÉ One. Meanwhile, Sonia will stand in for Anna Geary while she is on maternity leave. The Olympian is joining coaches Davy Fitzgerald, Nina Carberry and Donncha O’Callaghan for the new season of the show. Fox currently presents on 2FM at the weekends and said she is delighted to be taking on the role of presenter for the new series of Ireland’s Fittest Family - which will return to RTÉ later this year. She said:

"I’ve been a fan of Ireland’s Fittest Family for a long time, it’s such a feel-good, brilliant programme for all the family. Mairead Ronan was a fantastic presenter on the show, and I’m just delighted to be following in her footsteps."

Ireland's Fittest Family 'is a dream job for me'

"I can’t wait to get started working with the incredible team of coaches on the show and the super-fit families who are going to be coming our way to take part later this year," said Laura Fox. "It’s a dream job for me." Also speaking about the new role, Sonia said: "I have always loved Ireland’s Fittest Family as it’s a positive promotion of fitness, so it makes it extra special to be joining the line-up of coaches this year. "I’ve big shoes to keep warm for Anna Geary, but of course I’m in it to win, so Donncha, Nina and Davy… I’m here to compete and I’m very excited to get started." Geary, a multiple All-Ireland camogie winner with Cork, confirmed she would not be involved as a coach due to her pregnancy, with her baby due as the show is being filmed.

'Having fellow Cork woman, Sonia O’Sullivan, filling in this series is incredible. She’s a sporting hero of so many, including me! 'I'll really miss the buzz of filming the show, but I’m looking forward to seeing Sonia push her families to their limits. I couldn’t think of anyone better to take on Davy, Donncha and Nina and put them to the test. I hope they’re ready for her. Looking forward to seeing the rivalries unfold! 'Congrats to Laura Fox, who’s also joining the gang as the new presenter. Laura, make sure to pack the essentials - insect repellent, a good rain jacket & a GPS tracker for Davy.'

Head of Entertainment Commissioning  at RTÉ, Alan Tyler, revealed he was delighted to have the two join the show and looks forward to seeing them head to our screens. He said: "We’re delighted to announce Laura Fox joining Ireland’s Fittest Family as presenter, whilst the legendary Sonia O’Sullivan is coming onboard as a coach for the upcoming season. "Laura is a rising star with a genuine passion for the show and this is a fantastic opportunity to bring her to screen. Ireland’s Fittest Family is a positive celebration of fitness, focus, and family, Sonia is the perfect addition to the line-up. Whenever Sonia competes, she plans to win, so it’s bound to make for another exciting competition this year."

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