Viewers backlash at ‘Canoe Widow’ Anne Darwin’s first ever TV interview on This Morning
The 64-year-old faked her husbands death in order to bag a £50k life insurance policy on his name
THIS Morning viewers were left less than happy following an interview with Canoe Widow Anne Darwin.
The 64-year-old mum-of-two appeared on the show for her first EVER TV interview to talk about the infamous criminal case, as well as promoting her new book, Out of My Depth.
When quizzed by Holly Willoughby, who said she "couldn't understand" how someone could go through with faking someone's death, Anne said: "That is something I will live to regret for the rest of my life.
"The emotions [in interviews] were genuine emotions for the wrong reasons – I was in bits."
However, viewers of the show were left unimpressed by both Anne and the interview - and wanted confirmation from the show that ITV bosses hadn't paid her for her appearance.
One wrote: "I've got 2 sons & cannot think how Anne Darwin could do that to hers. I hope she's not being paid for this interview."
Another agreed and added: "I'm not sure about Anne Darwin. I'm glad she's not making any money from the book but I hope she wasn't paid to be on the show."
Following the concerns, Phillip Schofield later clarified on air that Anne was not paid for the interview.
He reiterated: "I did point it out really clearly guys that she wasn't paid for the interview she gave us and you're not allowed to profit from a crime.
"All the proceeds from the book, which quite clearly say, are being donated to the RNLI and the RSCPA."
Those who watched the show also remained unconvinced that Anne was truly regretful for what she did, and dubbed her "cold" during her interview.
On wrote on Twitter: "Anne Darwin has lied to a nation before, how can we believe she's sincere now!? #ThisMorning"
Another added: "Glad Anne Darwin not making money from her book. Hard to feel sympathy as she seems detached. How could she do that to her kids"
A third wrote: "Anne Darwin ashamed of her actions wasted money and resources looking for her husband which could have been used elsewhere"
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Anne and her husband John shot to fame when their elaborate fake death scheme was uncovered.
John, a teacher and financial adviser, was missing presumed dead after his canoe turned up on the shore.
After his body was never recovered Anne cashed in a £50,000 life insurance policy and the pair relocated to Panama.
The couple kept the truth away from their family and friends - including their two sons, Mark and Anthony.
Due to visa issues the pair returned to the UK - with John coming back on a fraudulent passport.
He then turned himself into TopShop's flagship store in Oxford Street, claiming he had amnesia and didn't know who he was.
The pair were eventually rumbled and jailed after a photograph of the two of them in Panama surfaced.
John has since divorced Anne, remarried and moved to the Phillipines.
Catch This Morning weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.
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