Ireland’s Fittest Family made its return to RTÉ One on Sunday, 29 October, sponsored by leading community retailer, Londis.
Now in its 11th season, veteran coach and co-creator of the hit television show, Davy Fitzgerald, is teasing the most competitive season so far, the retailer noted.
The added competition for Davy’s crown as the residing champion coach is the addition of former World Champion and Olympic silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan to the roster.
Celebrity Coaches
Sonia, who won 16 major athletics championship medals, including World and European 5,000m gold, European 10,000m gold, two World Cross Country gold and a 5,000m silver at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, is coaching alongside Davy Fitzgerald, Nina Carberry and Donncha O’Callaghan this season.
She was joined on Sunday’s season-opening episode in making her debut on the show by new host, RTE 2FM presenter, Laura Fox.
Defending champion coach and Ireland’s Fittest Family creator Davy Fitzgerald spoke at a special Londis event to herald the start of year’s competition.
“It’s great to be back with such an amazing lineup of coaches and with our longstanding partner Londis," he commented.
"This year has proven to be one of the most exciting ever seasons as our families gave everything they had to compete for the title of Ireland’s Fittest Family. Having Sonia as part of the coaching panel certainly upped all our games when it came to the competitive edge!”
'Enthralled'
Conor Hayes, sales director, Londis, said that for more than a decade, Ireland’s Fittest Family has had families right across the country "enthralled" on a Sunday evening.
"Whether you’re cheering on a family from your local community, or simply watching in awe at the competitive nature of the contestants, it’s box-office TV," he added.
“The show is a great fit for our values at Londis, with its focus on family and communities nationwide, as well as the platform it provides us to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. We couldn’t be happier to renew our sponsorship for a 5th year, and can’t wait to sit down with the rest of the country in front of the TV on a Sunday night.”
Londis has won three major national sponsorship awards on the back of this sponsorship in recent years; The Irish Sponsorship Awards – Best TV Broadcast Sponsorship in 2022 and 2023, and Sockies Awards - Best Collaborative Sponsorship with Core Media. and is delighted to be associated with such a wholesome and successful show and concept.
