Disney true crime docuseries unveils story of Sheffield's missing toddler in 'Ben Needham: Lost in Paradise'
The missing Sheffield toddler is one of six UK cases featuring in the six-part series
Sheffield’s missing Ben Needham will feature in the latest true crime docuseries from Disney+ airing this week.
‘20/20 Britain’s Most Notorious Crime Investigations’ reopens six of the most chilling and high-profile cases in the UK.
Episodes will include the murder of Bristol woman Joanna Yates in 2010, the horrific exploitations of churchwarden Ben Field - and Ben Needham, the little boy from Sheffield who disappeared from the Greek island of Kos in 1991.
The tot’s story will feature in the first episode of the docuseries, titled ‘Ben Needham: Lost in Paradise’.
He was only 21 months old when he vanished on Kos in July 24, 1991. Five days ago, his family marked 35 years since his disappearance.
On the day Ben disappeared, he was playing outside a farmhouse his grandfather was renovating while his mum worked at a nearby hotel.
To this day, Ben’s mum, Kerry, fights to follow leads that could solve the case, stating: "Someone out there knows exactly where Ben is".
Over the decades, numerous people have come forward believing they could be Ben themselves, but to no avail.
Kerry’s searches have explored a theory that Ben was “illegally adopted” by a criminal gang seeking to traffic and sell children to families overseas. Her enquiries reportedly led her to meet an elderly man who was trafficked from Greece to New York as a baby.
The docuseries will reportedly explore this theory, as well as reference searches for suspected burial sites and claims of a prison confession.
Each episode of 20/20 takes viewers on a 40-minute investigative journey featuring archival footage, fresh insights, and exclusive interviews.
In December 2025, Ben’s family created an official website collating information about his disappearance: https://findbenneedham.com/
On the 35th anniversary, mum Kerry said: “Today marks 35 agonising years since my beautiful son, Ben, vanished on the island of Kos. Thirty-five years of heartbreak, unanswered questions, and a relentless search for the truth.
“I’ve been back to Kos recently ahead of the upcoming documentary release, and while it is always deeply emotional, my purpose remains as clear as it was on July 24, 1991 - to fight for my son and never give up.
“Our fight continues to receive vital momentum and support, I have recently held meetings with the Minister for Europe to ensure that Ben’s case remains a priority at the highest diplomatic levels between the UK and Greece.
“Around July 30th, a new documentary exploring Ben’s story will premiere on Hulu and Disney. We hope this release reaches millions worldwide, keeping Ben’s memory alive and compelling anyone with information to finally come forward.
“To support our ongoing search costs, private investigation work, and legal efforts, please consider donating to or sharing our official GoFundMe campaign.”