The parents of Madeleine McCann have spoken out about Channel 5’s new drama Under Suspicion: Kate McCann, calling it “disappointing” and confirming they had no involvement in its production.
The series, which stars Laura Bayston as Kate McCann, dramatizes the 2007 police interviews that led to Kate being declared an “arguida” by Portuguese authorities. While the case has been covered in countless documentaries, podcasts, and news specials, this is the first major drama to focus directly on the McCanns themselves.
In a statement on the official Find Madeleine website, Kate and Gerry McCann acknowledged messages of support received around the anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance.
“May is never the easiest. We usually start to feel a bit ‘lighter’ at this stage of the month,” the statement read, referencing the 19th anniversary of Madeleine vanishing in Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007.
Laura Bayston portrays Kate McCann in the Channel 5 drama (Credit: Channel 5)
However, they also addressed the Channel 5 drama directly:
“We are disappointed, however, knowing that a Channel 5 ‘docu-drama’ will air tonight. 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.”
Despite the McCanns’ absence from the project, those involved in the drama insist they treated the story with care. Laura Bayston, who plays Kate, admitted the role came with intense emotional responsibility.
“I did feel the weight to be truthful and authentic to the script. But I also felt a huge responsibility toward Kate, of course. I thought of her and Madeleine every minute of every day while filming,” Bayston said.
Writer Philip Ralph echoed this, explaining the hope behind the production:
“The McCanns still face lies and accusations while trying to live their lives and continue searching for Madeleine. If audiences leave the drama with respect and admiration for their undaunted quest, then I feel I have done my job well.”While Channel 5 aims to offer a fresh perspective on the infamous case, the McCanns’ response underscores the continued sensitivity surrounding their family’s private pain.
