Ireland's Fittest Family new coach revealed as champion jockey Nina Carberry

The Former Grand National jockey will replace athlete Derval O’Rourke and join Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary and Donncha O’Callaghan to coach families from across the country.

The series will return to our screens for a tenth season later this year. Mairéad Ronan is also set to return to present the greatest fitness test on television.

Last year saw camogie star Anna Geary coach the Kinsellas from Wexford to victory in a nail-biting finale.

The Dancing With The Stars 2022 winner said she is ready to go head-to-head with her fellow coaches in the gruelling challenge.

“Ireland’s Fittest Family has always been a hit in our house, so it makes it extra special to be joining the line-up of coaches,” she said.

“I’ve big shoes to fill as I’ve always been a fan of Derval’s but of course, I’m in it to win so Donncha, Anna and Davy, step aside I’m ready to take you all on. If you are the family for me, please apply now.”

The head of entertainment commissioning at RTÉ said the broadcaster is looking forward to seeing Carberry’s competitive spirit in action.

Alan Tyler said: “We’re delighted to have Nina Carberry join this very special show as it returns for its 10th season.

“In her extremely successful career as a jockey, Nina showed just how competitive she is, and we can’t wait to see that transfer to Ireland’s Fittest Family. From racing to dancing, whatever Nina does she wants to win. Ireland's Fittest Family is going to be an unmissable competition this year.”

In a message posted on Facebook recently, Irish Olympian Derval O’Rourke said she was proud of her time on the show.

"I’ve made the decision not to return as one of the coaches on Ireland’s Fittest Family,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

“It was a very hard decision to make, it kinda felt like I was breaking up our gang Davey Fitzgerald, Donncha O’Callaghan, Anna Geary and Mairead Ronan but I’m really proud of the seven years I’ve done and all the families I have coached.

“I know how loved the show is and I have loved being part of it but the reality is that there is only so much time and I need to prioritise it – between my kids, my business which is embarking on a really exciting phase, being a part of the RTÉ TV athletics coverage and all the other balls I seem to juggle every summer something had to give.

“Thanks for all the craic and support everyone has shown to me and my families over the seven years.

“To the amazing crew that pull out all the stops each season to deliver top class TV – thank you. I’ll miss you all but maybe not the very early morning starts.”