Gerry looks on as snatching of Maddy is recreated for film
Gerry McCann leaves a church in Praia da Luz yesterday. A documentary is to be screened on the disappearance of Maddy
Monday April 06 2009
GERRY McCann said prayers for missing daughter Madeleine yesterday at the Algarve church where he and wife Kate sought solace when she disappeared.
The father of three made an emotional return to Our Lady Of Light church in Praia da Luz for the first time since leaving Portugal more than 18 months ago.
He sat in silence inside the whitewashed temple for nearly an hour before being driven away to join up with filmmakers who are making a documentary about Madeleine's disappearance.
The documentary, to be screened on Channel 4 on May 7, will feature the first-ever reconstruction of the fateful night she vanished.
Actress
Madeleine's role in the TV re-enactment has been taken by a family friend.
The actress picked by a casting agency to play the part of Kate is American mum-of-three Lisa Donovan, who bears a striking resemblance to the former GP.
Lisa (40) who comes from Philadelphia but now lives in the UK, admitted yesterday: "It's emotional to play the role of someone who's been through such a heart-wrenching experience.
"I have three children aged five, seven and nine, two boys and a girl.
"I can't even begin to imagine what going into a room and seeing one of your children not there must have been like."
Filming was due to finish in the early hours of this morning.
Yesterday, Gerry looked on from the back balcony of the apartment where Madeleine vanished as the dramatic moment was recreated when a man he believes may have snatched his daughter was spotted with a child in pyjamas wrapped in a blanket.
The second day's filming coincided with news that bosses at the holiday complex have blamed the tragedy for their decision to make more than 20 workers redundant.
On Friday managers sent home 21 of the 48 staff at the Ocean Club where the Tapas Nine were eating the night Madeleine vanished.
They told workers their decision was the result of a downturn in business following Madeleine's disappearance that was worsened by the world economic crisis and the falling sterling.
Former staff were among hecklers who shouted abuse at Gerry as he made a return to apartment 5A where Madeleine vanished to advise filmmakers for the reconstruction.
Billboards and posters put up in Praia da Luz last month as part of a fresh appeal for information on Madeleine's whereabouts have been damaged or pulled down.
The McCanns' spokesman Clarence Mitchell acknowledged some locals were upset at Gerry's return but said the vast majority of people continued to support them.
- Gerard Couzens In Praia da Luz
