Two members of the infamous “Tapas Seven” have shared how they were targeted by unsettling messages from a woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann.
David and Fiona Payne, who were on holiday with Kate and Gerry McCann in Portugal when Madeleine disappeared in 2007, gave emotional testimony in court this week.
The couple, who have never spoken publicly about the case before, recounted the impact the ordeal has had on them and the McCanns over nearly two decades.
Fiona Payne Opens Up About Daughter’s Disturbing Contact
Fiona Payne, an anaesthetist, became emotional when discussing how the alleged imposter, 24-year-old Julia Wandelt, also contacted her daughter Lily—who was the same age as Madeleine at the time of her disappearance.
Describing the messages as more “emotive and persuasive” than her own, Fiona said it was upsetting to see her daughter targeted.
“It is really difficult, she is a vulnerable young adult who has been adversely affected by Madeleine’s disappearance.
She has the good sense to ignore these messages. I felt angry that someone sought to manipulate her in that way,” she told the court.
Fiona added that over the years, the family has faced unwanted contact from reporters, conspiracy theorists, and others, but never anyone claiming to be Madeleine herself.
The Stalking Allegations Against Julia Wandelt
Wandelt is currently on trial for allegedly stalking Kate and Gerry McCann between June 2022 and February 2025.
She is accused of sending phone calls, letters, and messages claiming to be their missing daughter and even showing up at their home in Rothley, Leicestershire, demanding a DNA test.
Her co-defendant, 61-year-old Karen Spragg from Cardiff, denies a related charge of stalking.
The Paynes’ Longstanding Friendship With the McCanns
David and Fiona Payne first met Kate McCann while working at Leicester General Hospital more than 20 years ago, forming a close friendship.
Fiona recalled noticing last spring that Wandelt had been contacting Kate on a regular basis, which caused considerable distress.
Fiona said: “I would meet Kate for walks or coffee, and she would talk at length about the contact she had received from a woman claiming to be Madeleine. She was very upset by it.”
David added that Wandelt reached out to him as well, calling, messaging, and emailing to try to connect with the McCanns and review his medical records.
The Messages and Calls That Shook the Family
Wandelt’s messages often claimed intimate knowledge of the McCanns and included photos of their family.
In one Christmas Eve message to David, she wrote: “Merry Christmas David ❄️ The truth will set you all free.”
Despite the disturbing nature of the messages, David explained why he had not blocked her number immediately.
“At first, you don’t think there will be multiple messages sent… knowing someone was claiming to be Madeleine, and understanding the impact that would have on Kate and Gerry, I had to consider it carefully,” he told the court.
Recorded phone calls played in court showed Wandelt repeatedly urging David to put her in touch with the McCanns, to which he firmly replied: “I am not in a position to be able to help… we have had enough trauma.”
DNA Confirms Wandelt Is Not Madeleine
On Tuesday, the court heard that a DNA comparison carried out by police conclusively proved that Wandelt is not Madeleine McCann, who vanished from her holiday apartment in Praia da Luz just eight days before her fourth birthday.
The trial is set to continue on Monday, as the court examines more evidence surrounding Wandelt’s alleged harassment of the McCann family and the Paynes.