Canoe Man death faker John Darwin's story is set to get the Netflix treatment
The incredible story of canoe man John Darwin could be turned into a Netflix documentary.
Programme makers have approached ex-wife Anne and other family members about making a show for the US giant.
The former teacher and prison officer made headlines around the world when he faked his own death at sea, sparking a huge search operation when he “disappeared” in his kayak in 2002.
He lived hidden for five years, first in a room hidden by a wardrobe at the home she shared with Anne in Seaton Carew, Co Durham, then in Panama.
Fifteen years ago this week he was jailed for six years and three months for the £680,000 life insurance fraud. Anne, now 70, who was described in court as the “front” for the scam, was handed the longer sentence of six years and six months.
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Anne Darwin could be interviewed for the proposed new show (MDM)
Could were caught when Mirror revealed they had been photographed together in Panama years after John supposedly died (PA)Their story was told by former Mirror man David Leigh, who found Anne in Panama after John returned to the UK in 2007.
David’s book The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe inspired the ITV drama of the same name, starring Eddie Marsan and Monica Dolan, which was nominated in this year’s Baftas.
The show came to the attention of Netflix producers who approached Anne with a view to producing a “true life” documentary. A source said: “It’s now a question of whether the main players are willing to take part.”
ITV have already released a drama based on the story, starring Eddie Marsan and Monica Dolan (PA)Darwin and Anne split while both were in prison, divorcing after 38 years of marriage.
John, now 72, lives in the Philippines with second wife Mercy May, 49, who he met and married in 2015. He still canoes around islands there in the summer.
Anne rebuilt her relationship with their sons Mark, 38, and Anthony, 35, after deceiving them about their dad’s death.
* The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe by David Leigh, with Tony Hutchinson, published by Hodder.
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