Mark Williams-Thomas is an investigative journalist who helped uncover Jimmy Savile's horrific crimes. Video / Lad Bible
Madeleine McCann’s parents say they’re hoping for a “breakthrough” in the case of their missing daughter in 2026.
Kate and Gerry McCann posted a New Year’s Eve message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page.
“As 2025 draws to a close, we wanted to take the opportunity to thankeveryone who has supported us, in whatever way, over the past year & for continuing to hope for positive news of Madeleine,” they said.
“The investigation continues & we are very grateful to the police forces for this.
Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal, are seen during an interview with the BBC in April 2017.
“Despite information shared in the media over recent months, the ongoing search and quest for knowledge & justice has not stopped & is far from over.”
The couple said they have joined charity Missing People in supporting Safecall, which supports young people at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation, as well as those who have left or are thinking of leaving home.
They ended their message: “With our best wishes for a peaceful & positive new year & may 2026 bring us the breakthrough we long for.”
Madeleine McCann’s disappearance made global headlines when the then 3-year-old went missing from the family’s rental holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007.
The case has remained in the spotlight and nearly 20 years since her disappearance there have been thousands of leads but no sign of the missing girl.
In 2020, German man Christian Brueckner, a convicted sex offender, was named as prime suspect in the investigation, as his cell phone reportedly pinged near the location at the time of Maddie’s disappearance. However, no charges were laid and, after serving time in prison for an unrelated matter, he is now out.
Madeleine McCann went missing in Portugal in 2007. Photo / Getty Images
Kate and Gerry McCann have also recently dealt with legal proceedings related to a Polish woman who claimed she was Madeleine. Last November, Julia Wandelt was found guilty of harassing the couple.
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