Kate and Gerry McCann have expressed their disappointment over Channel 5's new drama 'Under Suspicion: Kate McCann', stating they were not asked for consent and that the programme will have a 'negative impact' on their family. The couple released a statement via their Find Madeleine Campaign website ahead of the broadcast on 20 May, 19 years after their daughter's disappearance.
The drama, starring Laura Bayston as Kate McCann, focuses on the period when Portuguese police made Kate a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in May 2007. The McCanns were formally made suspects in September 2007 but were cleared in July 2008. The programme is based on official police documents, interview transcripts and court records.
In their statement, the McCanns said: 'We have not given, or been asked for, our consent and have had no involvement whatsoever in its making. We fail to see how it will help. Programmes like this always have a negative impact on our family.' They also thanked supporters for their kindness during a difficult month.
A Channel 5 spokesperson responded: 'We informed the McCann family of both the production and the transmission date. The film is grounded in source material... The production team worked carefully to ensure accuracy, restraint and fairness, particularly given the sensitivity of the subject matter.'
Actress Laura Bayston described filming certain scenes as a 'punch in the guts', particularly when Kate was offered a chance to confess. She emphasised the importance of being respectful and mindful that the case involves real people. She added: 'You don't always react and respond how you think you're going to... no one truly knows, and ultimately, Madeleine is still missing.'
