THE shocking details of the infamous scam which saw "canoe man" John Darwin fake his own death have been dragged up as ITV's gritty series is underway.
The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe has been airing this week and tells the shocking story of North East fraudster, John Darwin and his brazen plot to claim insurance cash.
In the four-parter, we have already seen how Darwin and his wife, Anne have tried to pull the wool over the eyes of their family members, including two sons.
Read more: When ITV's gritty John Darwin 'canoe man' drama is next on TV (and what to expect)
Following the start of the series airing, it has emerged that Darwin is now in the Philippines along with his now-second wife after his release from prison.
But what happened to the Darwins' relationship with their two sons, Anthony and Mark after the grand plan to scam unravelled in spectacular fashion.
As the shocking case first emerged in 2007, both sons publicly denounced their parents and stated they wished to have no further contact with either of them.
This is unsurprising as Anne Darwin concealed the details of what they had tried to do until it was revealed in public, while John Darwin did not make contact.
Read more: When ITV's gritty John Darwin 'canoe man' drama is next on TV (and what to expect)
But, it has been publicly revealed that the sons have resumed contact with one of them.
According to reports, it took Mark and Anthony nine years to reconcile their relationship with Anne after what he said was "indescribable pain" caused by their mother.
Mark said: "It was a cruel act of betrayal that no parent should ever inflict on their children - the pain and suffering it caused me and my brother is indescribable.
"The horror of the discovery, my sheer fury and what they put me through, is something that will taint my life forever."
He added that he had forgiven her, but only to some degree and that he will never "understand, nor forget" their ordeal.
It is reported that Anne, who lives in a village near Middlesbrough, now spends time with her four grandchildren.
To view the episodes aired so far on the ITV Hub click here
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