"I'm really looking forward to taking up the baton from Mairead."

It'll be a case of one mum stepping in for another on one of RTÉ One's best-loved shows this autumn. Kathryn Thomas will replace Mairead Ronan on Ireland's Fittest Family when the show returns later this year, it's been announced. Mairead is expecting her third child in August. She's already mum to 11-year-old Dara and Eliza, 2. "It's hard to step back from the work family this year, but the timing on this one made the decision for me!" she said. "I look forward to tuning in with my own bigger family this autumn." Production began on Ireland's Fittest Family again this week with Kathryn returning to work after becoming a mum this year. She and partner Padraig McLoughlin welcomed a little girl called Ellie in March. "I'm delighted to take on the series as it's reinvigorated this year,” Kathryn said. “Fitness is a huge area of interest for me and I'm really looking forward to taking up the baton from Mairead and getting stuck in. "I wish her all the best for the rest of her pregnancy and her own big adventures in the months ahead."