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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham

Spencer Matthews sparks concern as Finding Michael documentary pulled at 11th hour

Fans of Spencer Matthews have voiced their concern after his emotional documentary Finding Michael was pulled from the Disney+ schedule hours before it was due to air.

The special episode had been eagerly awaited by viewers, after the Made in Chelsea star charted his attempt to find the body of his beloved older brother, who went missing during an attempt to climb Mount Everest in 1999.

The documentary was due to be released on Friday and viewers have expressed their confusion after being left unable to watch this weekend.

"Why has Finding Michael release date been pushed back? Promo for the documentary being released today has been happening all week, so why the last minute delay? " one fan fumed.

Another noted: "Well, the promo for Finding Michael is back now but states coming soon. It's a shame you don't update your paying customers on this, and as well as you ask for subscriptions."

Spencer said he'd been haunted by images of his brother Michael alone on Mount Everest (BBC)

A third tweeted to the streaming giant directly, "Where is Finding Michael? You said the drop date was 3rd March? It's now 4th March and it's nowhere to be seen, I rejoined you to watch this, so I'd like my subscription back for the month please? Just as an aside, don't promise something if you can't deliver it."

Another asked: "Where is #FindingMichael? I’ve tried on and off all day to find it. Really disappointed, must be very upsetting for Spencer and his family."

While another guessed: "Clearly something must need edited or corrected."

Amid the drama, Spencer took to Instagram to confirm the 'debut date had shifted' at the last minute, but he was unable to give a new time.

Spencer Matthews apologised to fans for having to move the release date (Spencer Matthews / Instagram)
Spencer Matthews attending the premiere of the documentary, Finding Michael, in London (PA)

He penned: "Apologies to everyone trying to view Finding Michael on Disney+. The debut date has shifted and we'll update you as soon as we have the timings."

Spencer has spent the last week promoting the powerful documentary and became visibly moved to tears as he spoke about his brother on The One Show on Thursday.

The former reality star recalled proudly how Michael had become the youngest ever Brit to reach the Everest summit at the age of 22 in 1999, but died on his return.

Spencer had been just 10-years-old when the tragedy happened and said he'd always promised his mum that one day he would find Michael.

Spencer called in the help of survival experts (Courtesy of Disney+)

In 2017 the family was sent a photo of a body on the mountain that they believed could be Michael.

Spencer said the man in the photo was wearing a similar suit to the one his brother would have worn and he couldn't stop thinking about the possibility it might be him.

"It continued to tick away in my head: "What if it is him?". I've certainly grown up with feelings that he's up there and died and was left there. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a body to mourn for my family?" said Spencer.

Spencer thanked his wife Vogue for supporting his bold challenge (Disney+)

With the help of survivalist Bear Grylls and record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, Spencer charted his efforts to try and recover his late brother as part of the Disney+ documentary.

He also praised his wife Vogue for supporting his dangerous quest and 'not standing in his way.

Following the sudden and unexplained postponement of the documentary, Disney also spoke out to assure puzzled fans.

In a statement posted to Twitter the streaming giant penned: " We’re sorry that the debut date for Finding Michael has shifted on Disney+. We will let you know as soon as we have new timings for its launch. This will be in the near future. Thanks for your patience."

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