A Polish woman who claims to be Madeleine McCann is set to offer up her evidence in front of millions of people on the American chat show Dr. Phil.
People from across the globe have become hooked on the story of Julia Wendell, who is also known by the names Julia Faustyna and Julia Wandelt. Julia made the bold claim that she was McCann, the British girl who went missing from Portugal in 2007, when she was just three years old.
Madeleine's disappearance has never been solved, but Wendell, who is 21 years old, has repeatedly tried to prove that they're the same person by providing 'evidence' online.
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Wendell's 'proof' includes a notable eye defect Madeleine was known to have; something Dr Phil points to in an advert promoting Julia's appearance on the show, which will air in the US tonight (27 March).
In the clip, Julia also confirms she's waiting for the results of a DNA test to find out her true identity and is questioned about what she found when she conducted a 'simple records check', the results of which are set to be revealed on the show.
"In an exclusive interview, Wendell reveals what else she discovered that made her believe she is the girl who vanished in 2007 at 3 years old,” a description on the Dr Phil website reads.
The site continues: "However, Wendell’s parents in Poland insist she is their biological child and deny she was kidnapped. McCann, who would be 19 years old now, was abducted in 2007 while on vacation with her family in Portugal and is presumed dead.
“Has McCann finally been found? Or, is this a cruel hoax?”
Dr Fia Johansson, a doctor of psychology and human behaviour who has been working with Wendell, expressed her pride that Wendell had 'a platform to courageously speak up'.
Johansson claimed the Dr. Phil interview would also see Wendell shed light on her 'violent and abusive past', while 'hopefully bringing her closer to justice'.
Wendell has claimed that she is unable to remember large chunks of her childhood after suffering the trauma of sexual abuse.
The doctor has previously confirmed that she and Wendell plan to announce the results of the DNA test as soon as they come in.
“When the DNA test comes, which I am really badly waiting for and checking every day the status of it, we will match with a DNA test of (Madeleine) McCann,” she explained on an Instagram Live video.
“(She could also match) anyone else out there looking for their kid that may (be) missing at that time," Johansson added.
Topics: Madeleine McCann, TV and Film, Viral, Julia Wendell
Emily Brown