Who Is Eileen Catterson? Full Background & Public Interest
Eileen Catterson is a Scottish former fashion model and beauty queen best known for winning Miss Scotland in 1987 and for her three-decade relationship with Marti Pellow, the frontman of Wet Wet Wet. Though she stepped away from public life years ago, her grace and loyalty have kept her in the spotlight.
Quick Facts About Eileen Catterson
Name: Eileen Catterson
Profession: Former fashion model, former Miss Scotland
Birth Year: 1970
Birth Sign: Capricorn (estimated)
Birthplace: Scotland
Age: Approximately 55 years old (as of 2025)
School: Park Mains High School, Erskine, Renfrewshire
Early Life and Background
Eileen Catterson grew up in Erskine, a quiet town in Renfrewshire, Scotland. She attended Park Mains High School and was known even as a teenager for her poise and natural beauty. Unlike many who stumbled into modeling by chance, Eileen showed early signs of confidence and grace that would later define her career.
Her upbringing was grounded in traditional Scottish values. Friends and family have described her as humble, grounded, and fiercely private even before fame came knocking.
Before Fame: The Miss Scotland Win
In 1987, at just 17 years old, Eileen entered the Miss Scotland pageant and won the crown. The victory launched her into the public eye and opened doors to professional modeling opportunities across Scotland and the UK.
However, there was one major setback. Because she was only 17 at the time, Eileen was disqualified from competing in the 1987 Miss Universe competition, which required contestants to be at least 18. This made 1987 the only year between 1961 and 1990 that Scotland was not represented at Miss Universe.
Despite this disappointment, the Miss Scotland title became her stepping stone into the fashion world.
Career: Modeling and Public Appearances
After winning Miss Scotland, Eileen built a successful modeling career throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. She worked with fashion brands like What Everyone Wants and appeared in magazine spreads, promotional campaigns, and local fashion shows.
Her look was classic rather than trendy. She had the kind of timeless beauty that photographers loved and audiences remembered. Unlike many models of her era who craved global fame, Eileen remained selective about her work and maintained a low profile.
She represented a wave of Scottish models who helped put Scotland on the British fashion map. Her style was minimal yet impactful, and her professionalism set her apart in a competitive industry.
Relationship: 30+ Years with Marti Pellow
The most talked about part of Eileen’s life is her relationship with Marti Pellow, lead singer of the hit band Wet Wet Wet. The two reportedly met in 1990 during a casual outing to a Rangers football match. What started as a simple date turned into a relationship that has lasted over three decades.
The Ultimatum That Saved His Life
In the late 1990s, Marti Pellow struggled with heroin addiction. The addiction nearly destroyed him and threatened their relationship. According to reports, Eileen gave him an ultimatum: get clean or lose her.
She told the Daily Record at the time that leaving would have broken her heart, but she couldn’t stay with him if he continued using. Marti checked into The Priory Clinic and committed to recovery. Years later, he credited Eileen as essential to his survival, saying there was no way to articulate how important she was during that period.
Marriage Speculation
Despite over 30 years together, Eileen and Marti have never officially married. In a 1999 interview, Eileen revealed that Marti had proposed to her four times. When asked why they hadn’t tied the knot, she said they would marry “when the time was right.”
Whether they ever had a private ceremony remains unknown. Eileen has said she doesn’t need a piece of paper to prove their love, which resonated with many who saw their bond as deeper than tradition.
A Quiet Life Together
The couple is believed to live in Windsor, England. Before that, Marti reportedly purchased an £800,000 home on Brighton seafront with five floors and five bedrooms. Despite their fame, they’ve managed to keep their personal life remarkably private.
Marti has occasionally given fans glimpses of their home during Instagram Live performances from a spare bedroom featuring a four-poster bed. But beyond that, the couple avoids the spotlight.
Trivia: Fun and Lesser-Known Facts
- Gerard Butler Connection: Eileen is reportedly a cousin of Hollywood actor Gerard Butler, adding another layer of intrigue to her family tree.
- Song Inspiration: The Wet Wet Wet hit “Goodnight Girl” was reportedly written by Marti Pellow about Eileen, according to the BBC.
- Lifesaver: In 2007, Marti saved Eileen’s sister Claire’s life after she nearly suffocated from a severe nut allergy during a meal at Eileen’s London flat. His quick thinking and intervention made the difference.
- No Social Media Presence: Eileen has largely avoided social media and public appearances, preferring a life away from constant attention.
Family Life
Eileen has kept details about her immediate family private. What is known is that she has at least one sister, Claire, who experienced the medical emergency mentioned above.
As for children, it remains unclear whether Eileen and Marti have any. When asked about fatherhood in 2017, Marti told MailOnline it was “never say never,” but no public confirmation has followed. He does, however, have a host of nieces and nephews.
Their choice to keep family matters private has only added to the mystery surrounding their relationship.
Associated With
- Marti Pellow: Lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, known for hits like “Love Is All Around” and “Goodnight Girl”
- Gerard Butler: Acclaimed actor and Eileen’s cousin, known for films like 300 and P.S. I Love You
- Wet Wet Wet Band Members: Through Marti, Eileen has been connected to the Scottish pop band that dominated UK charts in the 1990s
Why People Still Search for Eileen Catterson
Even though Eileen stepped away from modeling decades ago, public interest in her hasn’t faded. Several factors contribute to this:
- Her relationship with Marti Pellow: As one half of one of Scotland’s most enduring celebrity couples, curiosity about their life together remains high.
- Her grace under pressure: The way she handled Marti’s addiction and stood by him earned her respect and admiration.
- Her mystery: Unlike many celebrities who overshare online, Eileen’s choice to stay private makes people more curious about her life.
- Her legacy: Former Miss Scotland winners hold a special place in Scottish cultural history, and Eileen’s story is part of that legacy.
Where Is Eileen Catterson Now?
As of 2025, Eileen continues to live quietly with Marti Pellow. She no longer models professionally and has avoided public appearances for years. The couple occasionally surfaces in media reports, usually tied to Marti’s music career or rare interviews.
Her decision to step away from fame and live on her own terms is rare in an age where celebrity culture demands constant visibility. In many ways, her life offers a refreshing contrast to the norm.
The Legacy of Eileen Catterson
Eileen Catterson’s story is one of beauty, strength, and unwavering loyalty. From winning Miss Scotland as a teenager to building a modeling career to standing by her partner through his darkest days, she’s lived a life that many admire.
She represents a quieter kind of strength. Not the kind that seeks attention, but the kind that shows up when it matters most. Her commitment to privacy in an age of oversharing makes her all the more intriguing.
For those who followed her story, Eileen is more than a former beauty queen or a celebrity partner. She’s a symbol of grace, dignity, and the power of choosing substance over spectacle.
Explore more stories about influential public figures at Influencers Gone Wild.
