Oprah speaks to Madeleine's parents

May 4 2009

Millions of US viewers are to see Kate and Gerry McCann speak movingly of life without their missing daughter to chat show host Oprah Winfrey.

The interview screening comes just one day after the second anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal.

Since their daughter - the eldest of their three children - vanished on May 3 2007, the McCanns have worked hard to keep the case in the public eye, in the hope she might still be found.

The couple, who believe there is a "very real likelihood" their daughter is still alive, hope the Oprah Winfrey interview might lead someone with information to come forward. The show will be aired in the UK on Tuesday.

In extracts released last week to promote the programme, the couple told the celebrity chat show host they keep Madeleine's room ready for her return and regularly speak to her, telling her they are doing everything they can to find her.

When asked if they ever think the worst, Mrs McCann replied: "I think it's natural. I know people mean well when they say don't let yourself go there, but as a mom, inevitably there are times when I do. And they're the times that I kind of dip down."

When questioned about their marriage, Mr McCann said: "Child abduction, I think, could destroy any family. There's no doubt about it. It's one of the most devastating things. But we've been supported tremendously well and I think that's helped us stay strong and stay together.

"Obviously, we're really united in our goal and our love of Madeleine and Sean and Amelie."

The interview forms part of a media campaign by the couple to capitalise on the media spotlight on the second anniversary.

They have released a photographic impression of how Madeleine may look now, if still alive, produced by a forensic imaging artist. Madeleine, who was three years old when she disappeared while on holiday with her parents and young siblings Sean and Amelie, would now be five, nearly six, years old.