THE ITV series on the infamous "canoe man" John Darwin and his brazen scandal has proved a huge hit with millions tuning in for the first two episodes.

The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe first aired on Sunday night (April 17) to much anticipation as Eddie Marsan and Monica Dolan star as Darwin and wife, Anne.

Read more: The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe : Viewers react to ITV John Darwin drama

Set in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, the series looks at the rise and spectacular fall of the couple as they tried to pull off a major insurance scam - and failed.

But where is John Darwin now and is he still with his wife?

The Northern Echo: Picture: PAPicture: PA

After trying to start up a new life in Panama, but then deciding to hand himself to police, everything unravelled for the world to see.

Needless to say, John Darwin and wife, Anne separated.

That was during their time in prison for their roles in the scam and was the result of Anne finally calling time and asking to end their marriage.

Read more: John Darwin: More pictures released from canoe man ITV drama

According to reports, John left the North East and moved to the Phillipines after meeting his new wife, Mercy Mae Avila Darwin online.

In recent years, Darwin, now 71, and his now second wife have been seen enjoying life in the sun, some 6,600 miles away from his tarnished past.

The Daily Mirror reported that a friend of the pair said: "John and Mercy are really happy together.

The Northern Echo: John Darwin outside court Picture: NORTHERN ECHOJohn Darwin outside court Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

"He feels like he’s been given a second chance at life and he’s grabbing it with both hands."

Meanwhile, former wife Anne has spoken in the press and has produced a book following her involvement in the scam, maintaining that she was coerced into the whole thing.

Read more: How to watch ITV's John Darwin 'canoe man' drama before anyone else

In 2016, she told The Guardian: “John could also be persuasive. He told me, ‘I’ll only need to vanish for a couple of weeks and we’ll have the money.’ It got out of control."

And according to the Daily Mail earlier this year, Anne was residing in a village near Middlesbrough.

To view the episodes aired so far on the ITV Hub click here

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