RTÉ announce three new coaches in major revamp of Ireland’s Fittest Family

RTÉ have just announced, Thursday August 21, that Ireland's Fittest Family will return as part of RTE's bumper autumn schedule. 

The show is set for its biggest shake-up yet with three new coaches confirmed to be joining the upcoming series. 

With Laura Fox returning as the host, the three new coaches are a part of the major revamp to the show. 

The new coaches joining this year are Paralympian Ellen Keane, GAA footballer Michael Darragh MacAuley, and rugby legend Andrew Trimble. 

They will be joining veteran coaches Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary and Donnacha O'Callaghan. 

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Ellen Keane is an Irish Paralympics swimmer who won a gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2020 Summer Paralympics. 

Joining Ireland's Fittest Family won't be the first time Keane graces RTÉ screens, having previously reached the finals of the 2022 series of Dancing with the Stars on RTÉ One. 

Also joining is Michael Darragh MacAuley, an eight time All Ireland winner with the Dublin team. Since retiring from football, he has become the CEO of Sanctuary Runners. 

Being a former teacher and social impact leader, MacAuley has dedicated his career to community building and integration through sport. 

The last new coach joining the new series is Michael Andrew Trimble. Known professionally as Andrew Trimble, he is a former rugby player having represented both Ulster and the Ireland national team. 

Over his rugby career, playing as a wing, he achieved 229 caps for Ulster and 70 caps for Ireland. 

Beyond his career in Rugby, he has since transitioned into the tech industry having co-founded Kairos, a sports scheduling platform, which has now been acquired by Teamwork. 

Returning coach Anna Geary, who is currently expecting her second baby with husband Kevin Sexton, teased the shows revamp when speaking to the RTE guide. 

On the major changes to the format, Geary teased: "Never before has what is about to happen, happened on the show. Let me tell you, as a coach I was more shocked than anybody." 

She continued: "There are big changes, big twists, you're going to see a changed format, new locations. Oh my God! It's going to completely shake things up." 

RTÉ have yet to confirm a release date for the upcoming series but have confirmed it will be returning during their Autumn 2025/ Spring 2026 schedule.