"I Became Bigger Than The Beast" — Catalina Guirado EXPOSES TFI Friday Backstage Drama & Chris Evans Grudge

In this episode of *Addiction to More*, host Gareth Gallagher is joined by model, presenter, and art curator **Catalina Guirado**. As one of the original 'It Girls' of the 1990s, Catalina graced the covers of *Vogue Italia*, *Cosmopolitan*, *Loaded*, and *Esquire*, while starring on television hits like *TFI Friday* and *I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!*. Catalina candidly reflects on the intense press scrutiny of the era, her backstage dynamics with Chris Evans, and why she chose to walk away from UK stardom at the peak of her fame. She details her transition into running her father's fine art estate and pioneering cognitive art therapy programs for dementia care and neurodivergent individuals. **Key Takeaways** **Dismantling the Illusion of Stardom:** External fame, magazine covers, and red carpets do not prevent personal insecurity or imposter syndrome. **Setting Boundaries with Media:** Recognizing when publicity becomes toxic allows you to step back and re-evaluate your long-term life vision. **Art as Cognitive Healing:** Structured creative activities stimulate brain function, relieve stress, and provide a therapeutic voice for vulnerable groups. **Evolving Beyond Pigeonholes:** Transitioning from front-of-camera talent to executive producer, art curator, and coach. **The Power of Daily Gratitude:** Shifting focus from external validation to daily appreciation cultivates genuine financial and emotional freedom. Addiction to More Website⁠ https://gareth-gallagher.webflow.io/ ⁠ Social Links ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/addictiontomore/⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gallagher\_gareth/⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvlMUaxZ3vJT-Xu\_wzzxvw/ **Timestamps** **00:00** – Introduction **02:19** – Walking Away from Peak 90s Fame **03:29** – Imposter Syndrome & Reality TV Shifts **04:40** – Turning Down Big Opportunities & Moving to L.A. **09:11** – *I'm a Celebrity* Realizations **12:22** – Modeling Era: High Fashion to Lads' Mags **14:51** – The *TFI Friday* Years & Chris Evans Tension **16:40** – Being Excluded from Reunion Shows & Grudges **19:15** – Winning *Stars in Their Eyes* & Music Background **26:01** – Taking Over Her Father's Fine Art Estate **33:56** – Developing Art Therapy for Dementia & Neurodivergence **41:00** – Transitioning from Consuming Fame to Giving Back **43:38** – 90s Dating Culture & Pre-Digital Nostalgia **50:40** – Curating the Nick Egan Rock Exhibition in London **01:04:16** – Morning Gratitude Practice & Mindset Mastery