Entertainment

Netflix confirms Madeleine McCann documentary release date

The missing girl’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, have criticised the programme.
The missing girl’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, have criticised the programme. The missing girl’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, have criticised the programme.

A Netflix documentary about Madeleine McCann will be released on Friday, the streaming service has confirmed, saying it will be a “detailed look” at the disappearance of the three-year-old.

The youngster’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, have previously criticised the programme, saying it “could potentially hinder” the search for their daughter.

Madeleine vanished from the resort of Praia da Luz in Portugal in May 2007, while on holiday with her family.

Kate and Gerry McCann
Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Netflix said the series had access to “never-before-heard testimonies from those at the heart of the story, including friends of the McCann family, investigators working the case and from those who became the subject of media speculation and rumour”.

It said: “The Disappearance Of Madeleine McCann goes beyond the headlines and takes a unique look at the facts of the case as well as its impact on media standards around the world.”

Netflix has also released a trailer for the documentary, giving a glimpse at just over two minutes of footage from the series, including interviews and dramatic re-enactments, as well as archive footage.

Mr and Mrs McCann previously said in a statement: “The production company told us that they were making the documentary and asked us to participate.

“We did not see – and still do not see – how this programme will help the search for Madeleine and, particularly given there is an active police investigation, it could potentially hinder it.

“Consequently, o­­ur views and preferences are not reflected in the programme.”

Scotland Yard launched an investigation, Operation Grange, after a Portuguese inquiry failed to make any headway on Madeleine’s disappearance.

In November last year, a further £150,000 was granted to the investigation to allow it to continue until March 31.

Force bosses have been applying for funding from the Home Office every six months to continue the inquiry, which has cost about £11.75 million so far.