Shock new Channel 4 documentary investigates horror parachute murder plot which saw husband try to kill his wife
IT was one of the most unusual crimes in legal history.
In 2015, army sergeant Emile Cilliers sabotaged his wife Victoria’s parachute before she jumped out of a plane at 4,000ft — and survived.
Now a Channel 4 documentary will look at his evil plot, which could have gone undetected but for vigilant investigators.
A TV insider said: “This remains an incident which is still unbelievable to so many people, not only because it was such a malicious act but also because it involved a virtual miracle.
“Although Victoria suffered horrific injuries as a result of her parachute being tampered with, she somehow managed to survive the fall.
“The background to the case was even more shocking because it wasn’t just a bid to get hold of cash, it was also a symptom of Emile’s chaotic, murky life filled with mistresses and prostitutes.”
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In 2018, when he jailed for 18 years for attempted murder, it was revealed he was in serious debt and wanted to get the insurance money from his wife.
The couple’s relationship was crumbling and he had already tried to kill Victoria, an Army physiotherapist, by gassing her in the kitchen.
Experts believe Victoria, who’d previously done 2,500 jumps, survived the parachute fall because she landed on soft soil in a recently ploughed field.
But it still left her with a broken spine, smashed pelvis and fractured ribs, along with the mental scars.
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Police became suspicious of Emile after delving into his private life and financial affairs.
Fight to survive
IT’S all kicking off on Survivor with an explosive tribal council this weekend.
Boxer Lee Reeves goads his rival team and the atmosphere gets so heated that host Joel Dommett feared a full-on fight on the BBC One island competition.
Joel said: “He’s used to fighting but we really felt like we were in the ring with him that night. It was really exciting.
“We did think we might have to step in and calm things down at one point.
“I’d be the first person out the way.”
Elle mum a Corrie blab risk
CORRIE’S Elle Mulvaney keeps the soap’s festive storylines a secret from her own mum – in case she blabs.
The Amy Barlow actress says Dad is the only family member she confides in as he helps with her lines.
Ellie revealed: “It’s always a worry – letting it slip. I think my mum would leak it but my dad is OK.
“He actually does all my scripts with me. It’s really hard not to let things slip when he’s reading it.”
Elle says Christmas will be a big one for the Barlows as her character’s romance with Aadi (Adam Hussain) blossoms.
She added at the ITV Palooza this week: “We are going to see Amy and Aadi growing a bit closer, so we have a really exciting Barlows Christmas.
“It’s very interesting, I can say that.”
Norton in town
GRAHAM Norton will be chatting to his close pal and Virgin Radio co-star Maria McErlane about his life and broadcasting career.
It will take place in a one-off special at London’s Fortune Theatre.
The show is on December 10 and tickets go on sale from 10am today.
Charles tracked by Beeb
THE KING will play a major role in BBC’s festive line-up.
It has revealed a 90-minute documentary called Charles III: The Coronation, narrated by Helena Boham Carter.
The BBC One special gives an insight into the life of the monarch and Queen Camilla by taking viewers behind the scenes of the first year of his reign, following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Cameras followed the royal couple as they took up their new roles and carried out duties.
It was filmed as Buckingham Palace prepared and delivered the first Coronation in 70 years and in the months that followed.
The documentary also features contributions from members of the Royal Family and the royal household.
But Prince Harry seems to have given it a miss.
Corrie's Brooke on acting debut
CORRIE’S Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster, is to star in touring play The Syndicate alongside The Wanted's Max George in his acting debut.
It is Kay Mellor's final stage play, based on the BBC One hit drama.
Tickets for the tour, which starts on April 11, are on sale now.
Bike cops stunts for Sam
SAM Heughan wasn’t allowed a stunt double for his role as a motorbike cop in steamy new thriller The Couple Next Door – but he didn’t mind a bit.
He takes the part of Danny opposite Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson in the Channel 4 drama that starts on Monday.
In the latest edition of TV Mag, inside The Sun tomorrow, Sam says: “Because of the budget, the director wouldn’t let me have a stunt double.
“I’m a keen motorcyclist and it was fun.
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“There’s a scene where Danny and Evie are riding together and that’s the beginning of this attraction.”
I don’t think I’ll be watching this one with my mum.