McCanns pull out of Lorraine TV show appearance after devastating libel case defeat
THE parents of Madeleine McCann will not make a fresh plea to find her next week.
By Jerry Lawton, EXCLUSIVE / Published 30th April 2016
Kate and Gerry McCann and Lorraine Kelly GETTY/PA
SETBACK: Kate & Gerry McCann were due to appear on ITV's Lorraine early next week
Kate and Gerry were expected to talk to ITV’s Lorraine Kelly on Tuesday, the ninth anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance.
But they have pulled out after suffering a £390,000 setback in their libel battle with ex-Portuguese detective Goncalo Amaral.
They fear the court fight will deflect attention from the search for Maddie, who was three when she disappeared from their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007.
Goncalo Amaral PA
VICTORY: Ex-cop Amaral's £390,000 libel payout was overturned by an appeal court
The country’s appeal court has ruled in favour of the former cop and overturned the libel payout that he was ordered to make to the McCanns.
He wrote a book in which he accused the couple of covering up Maddie’s accidental death.
Kate, 48, and Gerry, 47, of Rothley, Leics, were said to be seething over the decision and are now lining up an appeal in Portugal’s Supreme Court.
Maddie in an Everton shirt PA
SAD: Maddie was three when she disappeared from the McCann's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz
They are also said to have turned down huge television and magazine interview offers from around the world.
Meanwhile, Mr Amaral, 57, has now been allowed to re-publish his book.
Maddie McCann looking at the camera PA
FOCUSED: The family have reportedly turned down huge television and magazine interview offers
It is back on sale and is set to appear in English for the first time.
A family friend said: “They would love to make a new appeal, but are aware that any journalist would want to inquire about Mr Amaral’s victory.
“They’re seething over the ruling. That’s the last thing they want to discuss.