Channel 5 announce controversial new drama on Madeleine McCann’s disappearance

26 Feb 2026 • 7:58 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Channel 5 is set to air the first drama based on Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, nearly 19 years after she went missing from Praia da Luz, Portugal.
  • The film, titled 'Suspect: Kate McCann', focuses on Kate McCann being questioned by police, with 'Killing Eve' star Laura Bayston playing the role.
  • The McCanns have been made aware of the drama but are not editorially involved in its production.
  • The series aims to explore the period when flawed evidence against the McCanns was released to the press, influencing the global media narrative.
  • The search for Madeleine remains ongoing, and this film is part of a two-episode limited series by Channel 5.

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