Kate Garraway’s experience on the reality showThe Celebrity Traitorssparked a deeply personal journey of self-discovery. While navigating the game’s intricate web of deceit in the Scottish Highlands, a connection with a fellow contestant unexpectedly prompted her to seek answers about her own neurological makeup.
The broadcaster found herself profoundly moved by conversations with singer Cat Burns, who openly shares her experiences with both autism and ADHD. Witnessing Cat’s candidness, and recognizing similar patterns within her own family, ignited a desire for understanding. Kate realized she was compelled to explore the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis for herself.
“In fact, I think it’s pretty clear I am,” Kate confessed, acknowledging a growing certainty about her neurodiversity. She was fascinated by how Cat’s experiences illuminated her own internal world, prompting a deeper look at long-held patterns of thought and behavior.
Cat Burns, diagnosed with ADHD in 2021 and autism in 2023, has been vocal about the transformative power of understanding her own brain. She previously described feeling “inherently different” for much of her life, finally finding clarity through diagnosis. This resonated deeply with Kate, who was beginning to recognize similar feelings within herself.
Kate’s time on the show wasn’t just about gameplay; it was a period of emotional release and rediscovery. Having spent years focused on the intensive care of her late husband, Derek Draper, her world had become intensely inward-focused. The game offered a rare opportunity to look outward, to connect with others, and simply…play.
The weight of those years – the constant worry, the relentless demands of caregiving – had been immense. Derek’s passing in January of the previous year left a profound void, and Kate found herself prioritizing the well-being of her children.The Celebrity Traitorsprovided a much-needed escape, a chance to shed the seriousness and embrace a lighter side of herself.
She described the experience as a “bursting of a valve,” a release of pent-up tension. Living with the daily reality of a life-or-death situation for so long had, paradoxically, given her the freedom to fully immerse herself in a game, to savor the simple joy of playful competition.
Kate reflected on how fortunate she was to have had this opportunity, recognizing that many caregivers struggle with similar burdens without the chance for such a restorative experience. She expressed deep gratitude for the connections she made and the joy she found during filming.
Appearing on the show’s companion program, Kate spoke of the transformative power of stepping outside her own world and into the lives of others. It was a chance to reconnect with a part of herself that had been dormant for too long, a reminder of the importance of self-care and the beauty of human connection.
