US chat shows approach McCanns

It was reported that the McCanns were at the centre of a bidding war worth £1 million between Winfrey and ABC star Barbara Walters who both want an exclusive interview with the couple.

But although their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said they had been approached by both chat show programmes, he insisted no money had been discussed.

He also categorically ruled out any interview while Madeleine's parents remained arguidos - suspects - and distanced them from talk of any sort of price war between networks.

He said: "There is categorically no truth to the suggestion that any sort of bidding war is currently taking place between American networks or American programmes.

"Gerry and Kate will not be doing any sit-down interviews whilst they remain arguidos because of their legal position and this has been communicated clearly to any media, international or domestic, who are continuing to bid for interviews with them.

"Nor has any money for any such interview ever been discussed in any shape or form."

Mr Mitchell added: "Initial contact with both Oprah and ABC has taken place as it has with many other media outlets around the world but nothing has been agreed nor are we aware of any of these programmes being in any sort of competition with each other. It (a bidding war) is not something we would encourage."

The McCanns are already thought to be considering whether to give the go-ahead to a film about their daughter, who went missing last May on a holiday in the Algarve in Portugal.

It has been confirmed that they were approached by entertainment company IMG but neither Gerry or Kate McCann attended the meeting personally.