Nearly 70 per cent of the callers to a Spanish TV show said they thought the McCanns were not telling the truth about their daughter's disappearance.

The vote of no confidence from the Spanish public in the McCanns came after the couple chose a popular Spanish TV station for their first public interview since they were named offical suspects in the Madeleine's disappearance.

They reportedly chose Antena 3 ahead of better known broadcasters such as Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters because they believe their daughter is most likely to be in Spain, Portugal or north Africa

The couple used the emotional televised interview to launch a confidential 24-hour phone line which they say has drawn a "very good response", according to Clarence Mitchell, the family spokesman.

Today, they revealed the phone line, which is manned by private detectives and targeted at Spain, Portugal and north Africa, had already brought people forward.

However, the McCanns would not comment on the number of calls made to the +34 902 300213 number or whether the calls had delivered any new leads.

Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' spokesman, said: "I can confirm we have already had a very good response to our confidential, anonymous phone line in Spain.

"However, we will not be commenting on the volume of calls being received or whether any fresh lines are being pursued.

"As this is a private investigation it will remain exactly that - private."

Asked about the last time she saw Madeleine, she said: "She was very happy and very loving and I know Madeleine was very happy with her life. She is special."

The Portuguese police have backed the new phone line, said Mr Mitchell.