Eileen Catterson is a renowned Scottish model, businesswoman, and former beauty queen best known for being crowned Miss Scotland 1987 and for her enduring long-term partnership with Marti Pellow, the lead singer of the iconic band Wet Wet Wet.
Born around 1970, Catterson first rose to fame in the late 1980s as one of Scotland’s most photogenic and successful models. Her title as Miss Scotland was marked by a memorable controversy when she was disqualified from the Miss Universe pageant for being just 17 years old—too young to compete by a matter of months. Beyond the runway, she is widely recognized as the “rock” behind Marti Pellow, having supported him through his highly publicized battles with addiction and his subsequent career resurgence. Today, she maintains a relatively private life in Windsor, occasionally appearing at red-carpet events alongside Pellow while focusing on her own business interests.
Eileen Catterson is a figure who has fascinated the Scottish public for over three decades. While often headlined as the partner of a pop superstar, her own story is one of resilience, professional success in the competitive fashion industry, and quiet dignity in the face of tabloid scrutiny. From the catwalks of Glasgow to a quiet life in Berkshire, Catterson has remained a constant presence in the UK celebrity sphere without ever courting the chaos that often comes with it.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into her life, covering her rise to fame as a beauty queen, her successful modeling career, her pivotal role in one of music’s most enduring relationships, and what she is doing today in 2025.
The Rise of a Scottish Beauty Queen
Eileen Catterson’s entry into the public eye was swift and glamorous. In an era where beauty pageants were major televised events commanding millions of viewers, winning a national title was a ticket to instant stardom.
Miss Scotland 1987
In 1987, a fresh-faced, 17-year-old Eileen Catterson stunned judges to win the coveted title of Miss Scotland. Her victory was celebrated across the country, with the press lauding her as a “classic Scottish beauty” with dark hair and striking features that set her apart from the competition.
However, her reign came with an unexpected twist. Catterson was set to represent Scotland at the Miss Universe pageant, one of the most prestigious beauty competitions in the world. But shortly after her win, it was revealed that she was too young to compete. The Miss Universe organization had strict age requirements, and at 17, Catterson missed the cutoff date. Despite the disqualification from the international stage, the controversy only served to heighten her profile at home, making her a household name in Scotland.
A Career in Modeling
Unlike many beauty queens whose fame fades after their reign, Catterson leveraged her title into a legitimate and lucrative modeling career. Throughout the late 80s and 90s, she was a fixture in the UK fashion scene.
- High-Profile Campaigns: She worked with major high-street brands and luxury Scottish designers, becoming a go-to face for glossy editorials.
- Longevity: Catterson’s career outlasted the typical “shelf life” of a model. Her adaptability allowed her to transition from teen beauty queen to sophisticated fashion icon, working well into her 30s and 40s.
- Mentorship: In later years, she has been credited with helping younger Scottish models navigate the industry, using her experience to guide the next generation.
The Love Story: Eileen Catterson and Marti Pellow
It is impossible to discuss Eileen Catterson without mentioning her relationship with Marti Pellow (born Mark McLachlan). Their partnership is one of the most enduring love stories in British entertainment, having survived pressures that have broken countless other celebrity couples.
A Meeting of Stars
The couple met in the early 1990s at the height of “Wet Wet Wet” mania. At the time, Pellow was a global sex symbol, his face adorning the bedroom walls of teenagers everywhere thanks to hits like Love Is All Around. Catterson, a successful model in her own right, was his equal in glamour. They quickly became Scotland’s “Posh and Becks” before the term even existed—a power couple that defined the era’s cool Britannia vibe north of the border.
The Anchor in the Storm
The late 90s brought a dark period for Pellow. The pressures of fame led to a severe heroin and alcohol addiction that culminated in a near-fatal overdose in a London hotel in 1999. While the band fell apart and the press circled, Catterson remained steadfast.
- Unwavering Support: Pellow has frequently credited Eileen as the primary reason he is alive today. In numerous interviews, he has stated that while others might have walked away, she stood by him through rehab and the grueling recovery process.
- A Private Bond: Unlike many celebrity couples who sell their stories to tabloids, Catterson and Pellow kept the details of his recovery largely private. This discretion is widely cited as a key reason for their relationship’s survival.
Life in Windsor
Today, the couple resides in a picturesque cottage in Windsor, Berkshire. They moved away from the intense goldfish bowl of Glasgow to lead a quieter life in the English countryside.
- Why Windsor? The location offers them privacy and easy access to London for Pellow’s West End theatre work and solo tours.
- The “Secret” to Success: Friends close to the couple describe them as “best friends” who prioritize their home life over red-carpet appearances. They are rarely seen at celebrity parties, preferring dog walks and quiet dinners.
Business Ventures and Family Connections
Eileen Catterson is more than just a model and partner; she is a shrewd businesswoman with a keen eye for talent.
Connection to Catterson Casting
Eileen is closely linked to Claire Catterson Casting, a successful casting agency based in Scotland and London. Claire Catterson is a prominent casting director who has worked on major commercials, films, and music videos (including Harry Styles’ Adore You). Eileen has served as a director for companies associated with the family brand, utilizing her deep knowledge of the fashion and modeling industry to spot potential stars.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Over the years, Catterson has invested in various business interests, often staying behind the scenes. Her transition from being the “face” in front of the camera to a decision-maker behind it demonstrates a business acumen that has ensured her financial independence.
Practical Information and Planning
While Eileen Catterson is a private individual, fans of 90s pop culture and fashion often look for ways to keep up with her or visit the places associated with her and Marti.
Public Appearances
Eileen does not do “meet and greets” or public tours. However, she is occasionally spotted at:
- Marti Pellow Concerts: She is often in the VIP or wings area during his UK tours.
- Charity Galas: The couple supports various charities and may appear at high-profile fundraising dinners in London or Glasgow.
- Fashion Events: As a former Miss Scotland, she is sometimes a guest of honor at Scottish fashion awards or judging panels.
Social Media
- Instagram/Twitter: Eileen Catterson does not maintain a public, verified social media presence. She values her privacy highly. Any accounts claiming to be her should be viewed with skepticism unless verified.
- Marti’s Updates: Occasionally, Marti Pellow will mention her in his social media posts or videos, usually referring to her simply as “Eileen” or his partner.
Visiting Windsor
If you are visiting the town they call home:
- How to get there: Windsor is a short train ride (approx. 30-50 mins) from London Paddington or London Waterloo.
- What to expect: A historic royal town dominated by Windsor Castle. It is respectful of celebrity privacy (many stars live there, including Elton John nearby), so do not expect to see paparazzi swarming.
- Tips: Enjoy a walk along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park—a favorite spot for locals to walk their dogs, where you might just bump into a familiar face.
Seasonal/Timely Section: 2026 Updates
As of early 2026, Eileen Catterson and Marti Pellow remain happily unmarried but committed. Pellow’s career has seen a massive resurgence with successful “Greatest Hits” tours and musical theatre roles, and Eileen continues to be his constant companion.
- Current Status: They are still living together in Windsor. There have been no reports of separation, debunking any periodic rumors that surface.
- Recent Activity: Eileen was notably supportive during Pellow’s recent “Popped In Souled Out” arena tour, which celebrated the anniversary of Wet Wet Wet’s debut album.
- Business: She continues to consult privately in the fashion and casting sectors, leveraging her decades of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Eileen Catterson and Marti Pellow married? No, despite being together for over 25 years, the couple has never legally married. They have often stated that they do not feel the need for a piece of paper to validate their commitment.
2. How old is Eileen Catterson? Born around 1970 (based on being 17 in 1987), Eileen Catterson is approximately 55 or 56 years old as of 2026.
3. Does Eileen Catterson have children? Eileen and Marti Pellow do not have any children. They have spoken in the past about being happy with their life as a couple and doting on their nieces and nephews.
4. Why was she disqualified from Miss Universe? She was disqualified because she was 17 years old at the time of the competition. The Miss Universe rules required contestants to be at least 18.
5. Is Eileen Catterson still modeling? She is not active as a commercial model in the same capacity as her youth, but she occasionally appears in PR shots or special legacy campaigns celebrating Scottish fashion.
6. What is Eileen Catterson’s net worth? While her exact net worth is not public, combined with Marti Pellow (whose net worth is estimated in the multi-millions), the couple is very wealthy. Eileen herself earned significantly during her modeling prime and through her business directorships.
7. Where is Eileen Catterson from? She is from Glasgow, Scotland. Her rise to fame began in the city’s vibrant 80s fashion scene.
8. Did she break up with Marti Pellow? No. Rumors of a breakup surface occasionally, usually due to their privacy, but they have consistently remained together since the early 90s.
9. Is she related to Claire Catterson? Yes, evidence suggests a close familial link (likely sisters), as Eileen has served as a director for Claire Catterson’s casting company.
10. How tall is Eileen Catterson? As a successful print and runway model, she is reported to be around 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in(approx. 173-175 cm), though exact measurements from her agency days vary.
11. Does she have an Instagram account? She does not have a public Instagram account. She prefers to keep her personal life offline.
12. What charity work does she do? Eileen is known to support cancer charities and addiction recovery organizations, often attending fundraisers alongside Marti.
13. What is her connection to “Wet Wet Wet”? She is not a member of the band but has been the partner of the lead singer, Marti Pellow, throughout the band’s peak fame, breakup, and reunions. She is often seen as an honorary member of the “Wets” family.
14. What happened to her company “Claire Catterson Casting Ltd”? Public records show that the specific limited company where she was a director was dissolved. However, the casting agency “Claire Catterson Casting” continues to operate successfully as a freelance entity or under a different structure.
15. Can I hire Eileen Catterson for an event? It is difficult to hire her directly as she does not maintain a public booking agent for appearances anymore. Inquiries would likely need to go through Marti Pellow’s management if it were for a joint charity appearance.
