In the very early hours of Wednesday the third of November last year, news broke that four year old Cleo Smith – who had been missing for 18 days – had been found. Shortly, audio and footage of the rescue was released, and the story of her looking into the eyes of a Western Australia Police Force officer and saying, “My name is Cleo” travelled around the country.
They were the most incredible four words to hear, and Australians everywhere rejoiced. Cleo Smith was alive and safe.
18 days earlier, while camping with her family at a remote beach north of Carnarvon in WA, the little girl had been kidnapped. Immediately an extensive search was organised, but as days turned to weeks many people lost hope that Cleo would ever be found.
Not her mum Ellie Smith and stepdad Jake Gliddon though.
In the premiere for the 44th season of 60 Minutes, Ellie and Jake sit down for for an interview with reporter Tara Brown. The pair make startling revelations about what really happened to their daughter; how they coped during the time she was missing, especially when they were faced with hurtful accusations that they were involved in Cleo’s disappearance; and why they refused to believe she wouldn’t be coming home.
In this world-exclusive story, the couple also share the latest news about Cleo’s wellbeing since her harrowing ordeal, as well as family videos which are guaranteed to make everyone smile.
My Name Is Cleo
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producers: Garry McNab, Sheree Gibson
60 Minutes premieres Sunday, February 6, at 8.30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now