Exclusive: Missing Teen Alex Batty On Adjusting To Life After Leaving France | Good Morning Britain

'Abducted' British teenager Alex Batty joins GMB for his first live TV interview since he was found wandering along a desolate country road in France.
The 17-year-old was 11 when he went missing in Spain in 2017 and had been reportedly living an itinerant, nomadic lifestyle with his mother.
He made his escape this month in the dead of night because he wanted to lead a normal life after six years of wandering across Europe.
Broadcast on 03/01/24
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#GMB #alexbatty #missingteen

[@jordanielridgway-bent]

His articulation comes from reading books, understanding what he has read and learning from it. The power of the written word is very much a resource which should not be forgotten. Sadly many parents and kids themselves never encourage that or have the desire to do so. A very very well balanced young man.

[@LizaFergison]

I agree. I loved reading from a very early age. I did the same with my daughter. I read to her and taught her to read even before she started school. She has an amazing knowledge of so much.

[@gmenezesdea]

Yes. Smartphones totally crush our attention spans, and even alter the way our brains work. Even the people who developed apps have come forward to denounce their addictive, harmful nature.

[@benayers8622]

can tell his mum didnt stick a screen in his face and social media.. Shame he doesnt relise hes a man now its too late to come back and redo the past.. Personally i think his mum seems awesome just a shame the uk propaganda got to him at a young age he clearly missed the systems "safety"

[@Brightstar8270]

Imagine going missing for years and coming back so dignified and polite. A charming young man.

[@romulus3345]

He was with his mother & his grandfather.

[@leenieledejo6849]

He said he only knew met one or two people his own age when he was in France. The rest of the time he was in adult company. There's a lot to be said for kids and young adults spending some time with adults (as long as the adults are a GOOD influence, of course). It used to be a lot more common in the past...

[@mastewalasefa8191]

He lived with his mom lol

[@emmyjayj6]

Agreed, he was obviously a lovely broke prior but to remain so is astonishing, even the way he speaks of his mother. Perhaps a touch of Stockholm syndrome. Glad he is integrating back into society. His poor grandmother too, he is obviously very loved.

[@karenmilligan5597]

He is a remarkable person. Best regards to him.

[@Alex-eu3wd]

What a seriously amazing young man. I cannot even begin to express how remarkable he seems to me. Well spoken, polite, hyper-intelligent, respectful, humble, the list goes on. Truly fascinating story. I wish him all the best in his life going forward.

[@97kewj]

Agreed. Probably something to do with the fact he spent most of the past few years reading books rather than glued to a screen.

[@psps2034]

@@97kewj No , maybe he was just raised correctly. Plenty of people glued to a screen are polite and respectful . Plenty of people reading books still end up being thugs , putting their feet up on public transport, throwing things at cars and run amock in supermarkets.

[@EmAyTea6]

Absolutely agree. You've said exactly what I was thinking

[@sallyire1]

Yes, brilliant young man. I was astounded.

[@soonzach4017]

Handsome young man.

[@boysrus61]

He is so well spoken because he is a reader. We don't emphasize the importance of reading for pleasure enough. I hope as a young man he keeps it up.

[@ellie-tk4jy]

I hate when people say this because it's not true. I've read so much but I don't speak well at all. That's because I had no one to talk to as a child. He had adults to speak to. Reading doesn't help speech unless you always read out loud. Reading maybe helps the written word but not speech.

[@Padraigp]

Lot of kids are readers but nit articulate ...or can be articulate if you poke them hard but often just mumble some big words and go back ti theur reading stoop..lol😂

[@Padraigp]

​@ellie-tk4jy totally agree..reading helps your understanding and gives you a good vocabulary but speaking to people is a very different skill. And a lot of people who know nothing at all can be very good at speaking socially and publicly too. If it was that easy all the library nerds wouldn't be so quiet!

[@Ana_Ines3420]

Absolutely, I posted a comment emphasizing this too. Perhaps Queen Camilla could invite him to meet her for her work promoting reading among youngsters. He would be an asset.

[@Ana_Ines3420]

​@@ellie-tk4jy didn't have anyone to talk to? Not at home, not at school? I'm so sorry for you, it must've felt really sad. Maybe you could join a book's club. They're great.

[@beckscald3855]

He's so smart and switched on. He's also very self aware. He knows others are struggling and knows things could have been much worse. He's a good kid and I wish him the best

[@helenwalker2986]

CORRECT>>> SO NOT ABUSED THEN? RIGHT? NOT ABUSED OR EDUCATIONALL DEPRIVED IN ANY WAY SHAPE OF FORM. AS HE TAKES GREAT PAINS TO KEEP CORRECTING EVERYONE.... He was taken to live in rural france by his mum... WHATS THE STORY EXACTLY I AM FAILING TO SEE ANY ANOLAMY.... I have plenty mates who did that... CE PROBLEMO? Thats what we call a private and family life matter and right now every one of you is breaking the law and engaging violating the parental rights of the mother who as you say HAS DONE A STELLAR JOB RAISING HER CHILD.... I fail to see what any one is applauding? I think you are being used again by media to push unlawful agendas on the people of this land and the obvious agenda here woud be the theft of white children from single homes by social serivices... THIS IS THE PRECURSOR FOR THAT... The child is lying for a start, the grandmother too.. very very much.. and the hosts of the show know it... and are being fed the lines to push the agenda.. which is to justify social services intervention into homes to steal children for profit.. one of the reasons is that they cant go to EPSTEINS ISLAND any more so they are going to need to get another supply.. AND THAT IS WHY YOU ARE SEEING THIS STORY... You are all cheering on child exploitation that will lead to the trafficking of children for profit via a for profit social services now heavely compromised by systemic corruption. AND WHO ARE ALL BEING WATCHED AND WHOSE DIVICES ARE ALL BEING TRACKED AND TRACED... So these people organising this propeganda are all in what we know to be called a STING OPERATION... Cleaning up ever single bit of sickness and corruption...

[@beckscald3855]

@@helenwalker2986 someone needs to calm down. Bring those issues to someone who can do something about it. You've mentioned multiple issues in your comment which not all are related to his case. You also have proof he or his gran are telling lies. There is an investigation and they will find out what happened.

[@DenethordeSade.90]

​@@helenwalker2986I have seen the video of the mother being a lunatic over the eviction, are you the mother? I think you could be. Loony Batty

[@beckscald3855]

@@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix erm calm down

[@Maryhilton-ws6ol]

@@DenethordeSade.90ha ha

[@32446]

Why is everyone shocked he’s so articulate. The boy read a lot. That explains everything. Plus he learned a second language.

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

Yes, but he lived isolated. A more vulnerable person could have become depressed and withdrawn. He's remarkably optimistic and forgiving.

[@supernova7848]

Yes and it also depends a lot on the type of adults he was with , the way he speaks probably reflects the type of lifestyle he had and the type of people around him. He doesn’t sound like a complete sc umbag , he still has his accent and he’s rather affable , other kids growing around adults “ in our world “ and end up having appalling behavior, being rude , entitled , have no work ethics , talk trash all the time , end up g angs who are run by adults ,they end in those type of environments and reproducing those patterns . He was not in touch with children his own age , if he had been his attitude would have probably been different too.

[@MarciaWilson-hq9ii]

You have to give credit to the people that actually cared for him while he was being shoved around. He learnt French the couple who looked after him for 6 years treated him like their own kids. He must miss them immemensly . His mother and granddad must be punished too

[@jacquelineclare2373]

Because he is more articulate than the obnoxious presenters.

[@CQuinnLady]

When someone is kidnapped, we fear the qorst for thwm because wenhave seen the worst happen. Dont be so rude, people have opinions based on familys like the turpins whose children were uneducated, stsrved, and beaten. When u listen to alex, its almost like relief knowing he didnt suffer aside from the isolation and fear of being caught.

[@auntiedough2488]

Wow…that’s a special young man. He’ll go places. Much love and best wishes to him and his lovely grandmother 💗

[@hellene553]

What an incredible kid! Soooo likeable! Well done for all this resilience!

[@sedatoykan]

I cannot believe how amazing this kid is, how he struggled by himself at such a young age! Congrats to you kid! Hope you can lead the life you wish. So glad you’ve reunited with your family. You have an incredible personality!

[@Mk-cn9xw]

almost like his nomadic lifestyle benefited him lol

[@GiftSparks]

He is lovely. He seems very strong and capable.

[@marushka123]

​@@Mk-cn9xwsure, it is beneficial to meet one or two people your own age during a six year journey. You drongo

[@chel3SEY]

16 going on 40. An unusually mature and well-spoken young man.

[@greenteasip]

It’s trauma not maturity.

[@tomwang3510]

it seems not a matter of age. It is that he is very special young man

[@NoContextRDH]

The religious camp obviously helped then

[@aem99]

@@greenteasipMy thoughts exactly 😔 A lovely young man regardless.

[@ksc743]

​@@NoContextRDH I believe it was more spiritual than religious.

[@issey1456]

I wish him all the best for his future IT degree. And I hope he will blend back into his old life, as smoothly and happily as possible . Let him be quicly forgotten by the media, so that his life is fully his own again . Sweet, bright and caring as he is , he deserves it ,and so do his grandparents .

[@marleneeversley8008]

The fact that he read so much explains his eloquence, his maturity and his wholesomeness. What a loving, lovely young man. Leave his mother alone...for his sake.

[@Shineon83]

Exactly. If they hurt her by locking him up, it will destroy him in time….She needs mental health-not prison.

[@ellie-tk4jy]

Agreed

[@cristydonaldson7627]

What a kind, bright, and compassionate young man.

[@mogadon7]

Coming back to RAINY Manchester.

[@SarahCoxWrites]

What an incredibly charming, mature young man. There is a lot of trauma survival response in him - he minimises his own experience by constantly saying many others go through the same thing. I do hope he will get support as he starts to unpack the enormity of what has happened. It was very telling when he said he didn't mind not seeing his mum ever again, even though its obvious he doesn't want anything bad to befall them.

[@helendancelot]

That's how he feels now... How will he feel in a few years

[@ksc743]

I think it's probably something to do with the beliefs that his mum's "community" believe in. He mentioned they're anti-govt, so obviously it was a very alternative lifestyle. Perhaps a rule of that community, like Scientology, is that once you leave, that's it? Down the line he should write a book about his experiences. I'd be interested to hear what his mum and grandad believe about this world we live in.

[@hisheroship]

Perhaps there is not a lot of trauma, because his mum and grandpa love him and cared for him, educated him. Just because they do one thing wrong doesn’t mean that they do everything wrong.

[@DeeDiamond2981]

​@@hisheroshipperhaps. I suspect he will protect them by not saying the raw situations.

[@hisheroship]

@@DeeDiamond2981 yes you could be right. Regardless, he seems to be quite a high-quality kid.

[@MadelineMcneill]

Whatever the rights and wrongs of this case, Alex is a bright, polite and well adjusted kid despite his lack of schooling and freedom. The fact that he still loves and wants to protect his mother is a sign of his character and maturity. I wish Alex all the best for the future.

[@tommyb540]

All the best to him. I hope he finds peace and can get on with his life.

[@creatura_orbis_centuria]

He was just finding out how is the UK now. He will go back there and say hello to everyone and ask the left-community what they want from him to fulfil their causa. To become the next Labour Party Leader. Now he is in good hands of the Left-wing party.

[@alphabetacanton]

Lovely young man. He never whine; doesn't blame anybody; show gratitude and generosity to his mother/grandfather; and is so polite and calm.

[@DenethordeSade.90]

Called trauma

[@iheomanwakpadolu2576]

I don't why it's a the wrong thing for a person done bad to complain. That'd why evil people are emboldened.

[@Medicinemen100]

Incredible person. Even when saying that there wasn't much money to celebrate Christmas he was quick to acknowledge that it's the same for other people. Not a single drop of self pity. Aware, empathetic and a decent person:):)

[@Baruch-q4n]

What a very brave young man Alex is.We should all welcome him back home.

[@joannezaninovic5697]

What a lovely young man. Its so nice to hear a youngster talk ‘proper’ and actually make sense. Hopefully he will go far and achieve everything he desires.

[@angeladickinson7742]

I am so intrigued and inspired by Alex. Articulate, genuine , and in my opinion Alex has accrued more life experience in his 6 years away than most of us do in a lifetime . Incredibly self resourceful and self motivated . Alex , my sister is a Business Studies Teacher for GCSE and A level at a school in Oldham. I am sure if you need any advice /assistance, she would be delighted to advise / assist you. I am speaking on her behalf but my sister is one Inspiration Teacher. Delighted your back home with your Grandma and Good Luck for the future.

[@suedavey8711]

You're

[@blakewilliams5627]

Am i the only one who wants to know more about the mother and the grandfather, and their history w/ the grandmother.

[@marieholland8868]

You're not the only one who wants to know more...I've never heard of this boy till now, at first I presumed the grandfather he'd been away with was the husband of this woman in the video! Did the three simply disappear and made no contact with anyone?

[@pomatolove]

I saw it on another news, his mother was deep into conspiracy theories and paranoid beliefs

[@MollyRuiz733]

Very smart boy all The best to him ❤

[@sheldon97sheldon]

It's impossible not to feel anything but respect for him. I fully understand why he wishes to protect his mum and Grandad. I, for one, know myself that there's very little my mum could say or do that I wouldn't protect her for, whether or not it's legally or morally right. Wishing you all the best for the future young man.

[@dinkster1729]

@@lindakincaid4530 His mother ran away with him to a foreign land, Morocco, perhaps? Then, when she ran out of money and ran off with a newly acquired boyfriend, his Grandmother had to come to the foreign land and get him home out of a really nasty situation. That's when she went for custody. Then, his mother and his grandfather, her ex-husband ran off with him again and disappeared even though his grandmother had had custody of him for 18 months. It's a good thing his grandmother had some sense if no other adult in this family did.

[@celtictarotreadings333]

@@lindakincaid4530yeah this whole thing is confusing and doesn’t make sense. They make out that he was with some stranger.

[@EileenHall-j9f]

His mother did something right. Obviously it wasn’t great for the young man, but he appears extremely intelligent and well balanced. Hopefully in the long term he will look back, and his childhood will have been an advantage for him. An incredible young person. Whatever you think of his mother and grandfather, they obviously gave him his articulacy. Good look to him.

[@marilou676]

He said he read a lot. That is very beneficial for literacy, articulation and eloquence, not to mention the development of critical thinking.

[@helendancelot]

He also knows how to work in a practical way also

[@DeeDiamond2981]

But she took him away , from others who probably could take BETTER care of him. That isn't good for a child. Hence the charges they are thinking to give to her...

[@Shineon83]

@@DeeDiamond2981I hope for HIS SAKE they do not charge her. She obviously has mental health issues (“fearing” the Government)-but just as obviously, she LOVES him, as an unloved kid would never turn out like this….IF they imprison her, just watch: it will damage HIM (as he keeps saying, “I always worry about her”)

[@ellie-tk4jy]

@marialomis3366 that's not true. Reading doesn't help with verbal articulation. I've read a lot and speak poorly. It's because he had adults to speak to. I had no one to speak to. Reading offers a wide vocabulary and perhaps the ability to structure the written word but it's a completely different discipline to speaking unless you're always reading out loud.

[@hazelflatts7403]

This boy is exceptional and reminds me as an English mother living in France always give my child the choice of country to live in. It was vital for her to be bilingual so she can feel connected to both countries and the extended family. His grandmother is amazingly strong 🤗❤

[@benayers8622]

grandmother aint its not her business

[@Maryhilton-ws6ol]

@@benayers8622the child is the mothers! Not grandmas. If she thinks daughter bad, she should ask herself why!!!

[@tonyknight9912]

Incredibly mature and sensible kid considering all he's been through.

[@Paul.Morgan]

He looks in good physical shape. Maybe he's had a healthier childhood than most British kids.

[@Padraigp]

Yeah most kids are in a similar boat apart from moving...they dont get much socialising and they are poor and have no nice lamb for Christmas..

[@dlewis895]

HES BEEN DOING CONSTRUCTION LABOR SO OF COURSE HES IN GREAT. SHAPE

[@spivvo]

What a well balanced articulate young man. I wish him the best.

[@yogsfrancis2805]

Kid is more grounded than most teenagers that are raised nowadays in so called good homes. He seems responsible, humble and appreciative unlike kids nowadays. The hardship he endured will make him a better human being. Experience are there to teach us on this journey of life.

[@phillypersonpretzel]

Not all "kids nowadays" are irresponsible, unappreciative, and lacking humility. I am in my late 50s and attend college classes with kids who were in high school last year. Some of these young people have enormous household workloads, outside jobs and are doing B and A work on demanding projects, various classes, multiple disciplines all at once. One young woman I was in class with literally shared a car with her dad and other sibling. Getting to and from campus from her home was always a challenge or a frustration for this kid. She also had a full 12 credit course schedule and had significant family responsibility...so...idk. I have met some incredible and hardworking young people. I would consider not painting a giant swath of population with a single brush...

[@irenejohnston6802]

He's more adult than yng people in uk. Has grown up in a good way. Is likeable. Articulate. Whereas majority lack knowledge of manual skills. Are perpetual teenagers even at 'Uni'. Would turn up their noses doing the work Alex has done. Hope coming back here doesn't spoil him. Until late 60s. Teenagers left school at 16 to work.

[@soonnah9521]

Back in the 60's it was far easier to do so. It's mandatory for children to be in education until they're at least 18 now and has been like that since 2013. Nowhere likes to hire kids anymore and work experience is essentially non-existent. A lot of jobs that children used to get easily, such as paper rounds as an example, don't really exist anymore either due to the fact that times have changed. Minors are so restricted in terms of what jobs they're even allowed to do, thanks to Health & Safety gone mad and pressures from HR in almost all work places you can think of. Even in retail, minors can't do any heavy lifting, they can't steam clothing, they can't take money to the bank (etc). There's no incentive or benefit for an employee to hire a minor as they can't even do half the work expected of staff. It is so much harder for anyone under the age of 18 to get any kind of job now. Schools force the idea that going to University is the best and only option rather than teaching them actual life skills, or discussing apprenticeships such as carpentry or plumbing. Children aren't taught how approach the world of work or adulthood. They're not taught how to do taxes, they're not taught how to fill out a cheque, they're not taught basic life skills, they're not taught crafts like sewing or stitching. Society and schools have been failing children for years. There will be kids out there who do have a terrible attitude to work, however that is not something new or unique to just them. We see plenty of examples of grown adults having a terrible attitude to work as well, choosing to sponge off of the system and never work a day in their lives. This sense of entitlement of "I don't want to work" is not new. Rather than passing judgement on just the youth of today, assuming all children now are spoiled or not as hard working, perhaps it's best to first take a look at the parents who raised those generations, then look at the schools that taught them and then look at society as a whole.

[@jademurray8235]

Bless him🙏🏾 I hope he gets therapy so that he can clear any trauma & move on with his life. What a wonderful young man ❤

[@debbielondon1809]

Trauma? Why assume? Just because the word kidnapped is used! Perhaps he's been given advantages in life!

[@benayers8622]

100% hes had 6 years less brainwashIng and social media! Hes got best mum ever in my opinion @@debbielondon1809

[@poonamshah6507]

Adorable young man and such a dedicated grandmother. Wish them all well. 🙏🏽

[@robingilbert1905]

The books taught him. That’s why he is so articulate & smart/polite

[@MA19PO]

He is absolutely incredible young boy. When he said that money was tight but so is for lots of people. Bless him so socially aware. I am sorry I can't condem his mother. Seems she did good job for him to turn out this way. Hope he has bright future ahead of him.

[@charlenerathgeb8217]

I wish this young man nothing short of a spectacular future. And his Granny….may you live to see him as a grown, happy man!

[@miaku]

This is kind of an unfortunate yet intriguing insight into how much more articulate, confident and common-sensical kids can be without state education!

[@irlandaise5631]

yes and the fact that its books he read and not silly interactions with peers his age that shaped him up.

[@ellie-tk4jy]

@irlandaise5631 disagree about the books. It's interactions with adults that shaped him.

[@irlandaise5631]

@@ellie-tk4jy it d be both , you can have few young friends , I do have older friends now in their 60s but some in their 30 . I’m 40 and since I’m 20 you Couldn’t talk to most young people but older ones same I realise now however you can talk to more older than young ones. Most just want to drink and party and talk about non sense which is incidentally promoted by that very Media channel amongst others .

[@Nonie_Jay]

Agree.

[@TW-sh2un]

Don’t love the education system either but “Being articulate” isn’t the the only goal for the development of a teen. How well does he interact with and manage social dynamics with his peers? Will he feel out of touch with the life he was supposed to have, the life that kids his own age now share and he doesn’t? He spent 6 years surrounded by strange adults, under a fake name he didn’t like and spending most of his time in isolation. Clearly this environment was so unpleasant, he chose, at 16, to walk for days just to escape it. Is all this worth it to be just to be more articulate. Which really matters more for interacting with and impressing adults who seem to believe youth have to speak exactly like them in order to be valid. I think he would rather preferred to have been a kid

[@bridgettdevera1258]

I have so much empathy for the grandmother. She lost her husband, daughter, and grandson with no contact for 6 years until her grandson left. She is probably still hurting everyday without her husband and daughter. The emotional torment she has been dealing with and will continue to deal with must be extremely difficult. Wishing her the best in the future.

[@igneoluna]

Agreed. I hope she's getting some help.

[@ChildofYah1405]

Such a bright, lovely boy. Wishing him all the best for a very rewarding future 🙏🏻

[@poppyk6182]

Wow! What a story. I’m so glad he’s back with his gran and grandpa. ❤

[@Shineon83]

His Mum obviously has some mental/emotional issues-HOWEVER, a young man does NOT turn out so polite, sweet & well-mannered, without a pretty decent Mum….I hope she gets the mental care she needs-and that they don’t put her in prison (which would DESTROY THIS BOY)

[@pourquoipas971]

What happened before the abduction ? Why did the mother have to do that? What about the father? Why was he living with his grand mother ? I don ‘t get that story completely? Does the mother have mental health issues? Anyway, good luck to him he seems to be very resilient.

[@JaneK6557]

Parents who alienate children from the rest of their family are selfish and cruel. The mother must have not had custody of him or she wouldn’t have had to flee with him and keep him hidden. I’m glad he made it back to what he obviously has always considered home. Bless this grandmother. I know this pain. It’s horrible. Now she can rest easy…

[@timbpmusic]

He deserves the best life now. God bless him.

[@nessie5255]

Maybe the way his mother and grandfather brought him up was better than the materialistic way that young people live in this country. How many young people read to the extent this young man has, most of them can't get off their xbox. He doesn't sound very traumatised, or no more than any other kid whose parents both work and leave them to it. Who knows how he could have been living in Manchester with all the issues living in a big city brings. Let's hope the next 6 years see him doing as well as he appears to be doing now. Good luck, young man. Keep loving your mother. She was doing what she thought was best at the time.

[@soniamariamellodasilva445]

Amazing story! I wish this brave young man a very happy life.

[@raynonabohrer5624]

He's very mature. It looks like he was not mistreated. I wish him well and I hope he enjoyed Christmas.

[@Maryhilton-ws6ol]

Hes first xmas in reality

[@IcelanderUSer]

I too had been kidnapped from age 6 to 15. It’s a terrible way to live because you’re more concerned with the kidnappers wellbeing than you are your own. If any victims are reading this take it from me don’t wait for others to end the situation. Call the police.

[@eleanorrichards1872]

How can he be possibly kidnapped by his own mum? Seriously this thread

[@racheltfisher]

@@eleanorrichards1872he was taken away by his mum, when she was obviously not fit to parent him/to be in her care, his poor family must have been so worried

[@cariwalker7549]

@@racheltfishernot to mention she and his grandfather didn’t have custody of him according to what Wikipedia says about it

[@BeliverInYeshua]

Brilliant, may he continue to grow to become a delightful human being

[@KrisHughes]

I think his confidence and how articulate he is speaks to having (probably) highly articulate and well educated adults in his sphere these past years. Articulate and intelligent isn't the same as good parenting, of course, but it will still stand him in good stead. I had parents like that, and although I had a tough childhood thanks to their problems, I recognise that I at least got that from them.

[@debbielondon1809]

Doesn't seem to have done him much harm! His mum and grandad don't sound like bad people at all! Perhaps we should get out of people's lives. Look at clarity in his eyes. The notion of having to go school and be surrounded by other kids (not all ideal influences!) to grow up as an intelligent, balanced person is BS.

[@myjourneytotruth]

Its true hes down to earth and sharp but everyone has missed the fact he wasnt locked up in a room or basement for 6yrs but living a life with family & in nature and not in total isolation. Reading is one thing, but having caring loving company is something else. I think hes going to be an awesome writer one day due to his life experiences and his love of reading.

[@DawnOldham]

Wonderfully complex story. A family that loves and cares for one another, yet there is deep hurt mixed in, as well. I was a voracious reader myself and I know that it makes a huge impact in one's life. I'm very impressed with his humility, his devotion and loyalty to his family, and his ability to express himself so well. I'm thrilled for his grandparents to have him back again. Those six years had to have been gut wrenching! I wish them all a happy and prosperous future. The world needs more young men like Alex!

[@maryoleary2037]

What his mother and grandfather did was very wrong. Yet, somehow they must have given him a decent life, for him to be so well adjusted and wise. I wish him every success in life and appreciate the love his grandmother is giving and for the end to her pain.

[@shez4058]

I agree with you. Although what they did was wrong and not acceptable, they do appear to have done a great job in bringing him up.

[@phily8093]

If it was his father I bet you would say he was a monster. His mother must have a good side however.

[@maryoleary2037]

@@phily8093 No, I would not have differentiated between a mother and a father. To abduct a child if very wrong. To help him to be confident and well adjusted is very right.

[@phily8093]

@@maryoleary2037 It seems to me like he did most of the raising himself. She took him away for her own ardent political reasons. She was extremely selfish. He admits that she wasn't a good mother. She forced him to do manual labour to provide for them, and deprived him of an education. She sounds very much like a narcissist. Narcissists can be fun and engaging people, and appear loving, but ultimately they only care for themselves, and their children are extensions of their own reach and ego. I know in part because I was married to one, and I know how much it can cut you deep. It is his nature, and an old head on young shoulders that helped him. She should get zero praise.

[@shez4058]

@@phily8093 you are correct to some extent. He seems like an impeccable fella and this is down to him as a person. He has done extremely well in the circumstances. Wish him nothing but luck. He has a bright future ahead of him.

[@LizzieDripping67]

Why wasn’t he located earlier ? Rather than when he physically removed himself from the situation, when other high profile missing children cases have had millions of pounds spent on their search ? I hope I goes on to have a successful & happy life 💙

[@tommyb540]

Because he was with his mum and grandad why would police need to search for him?

[@natashamilchin]

@@tommyb540His mom didn’t have custody though - his grandmother did.

[@4as856]

His mum is antigovernmet he says could it be because they took away the custody of her son?

[@LizzieDripping67]

@@4as856 whatever the reasons she’s not let him have an education, which could limit his life choices, great mother

[@LizzieDripping67]

@@tommyb540 still a missing child

[@RIrwin-v1b]

Wow. What a thoughtful, intelligent person he is. I hope he writes a book one day about his experiences - when he’s ready of course.

[@empfangwien521]

Ok, I don't get it.......this was a mother who decided to immigrate with her young son...... Why is this seen as a criminal offence? Why do they/he call his leaving his life with his Mom & granddad, an "escape?" He wasn't held prisoner by them. His granddad even said he must do what's best for his life when he talked to them about leaving. His Mom was against it, but she was not physically stopping him from leaving. He says he doesn't mind never seeing her again.......he will after he's been away from her fro a few months/years, no matter how he feels now.

[@1970GenXer]

WOW he definitely is a remarkable young man. The TV Studio should contact the Princes Trust for him, and see if they can help him with a job. All the best for the future to him and his family, from North Queensland Australia ❤

[@Lexer584]

Exactly, the articulation comes from reading so many books, not spending time with computer games which have a destructive impact on the brain. And in addition it was good not to have contact to young people who use informal language, wasting their time on useless things. In the future Alex might realise how grateful he can be with regard to his mother who kept him away from decay. In all Western countries we experience an era of hedonism and moral decay.

[@teeearly2093]

Ummm “you worked hard and took pride in your work but this isn’t what most teenagers should be doing”? And why not? Why shouldn’t we be raising all our teenagers to work hard and take pride in their work? Sure he should have been able to socialise and live alongside peers his own age but I hazard an opinion that it is because he lived the way he did that he has turned out to be such a caring, articulate and eloquent young man! It’s worth thinking about

[@rozdoyle8872]

Totally with you on that , it will take a while for him to acknowledge that his Mum did him a great service & gave him a chance to build himself up to be the fine young man he is now , I think there is some poison against his Mum somewhere , what is so wrong with her having different beleifs, interesting family differences I imagine.

[@ruthanna4713]

True.

[@Canuckmom128]

Alex - you are an INCREDIBLY bright, mature, thoughtful, articulate young man. Congratulations for taking your life back and moving forward to the place where YOU want to be. That took amazing courage and foresight. The very best of luck on your assessment tomorrow. I hope the College will support you as necessary, as there is no question that you have the intelligence and drive to succeed. I hope you have an amazing Birthday in February, with your friends, which is as it should be. As a Grandmother of two, with two more due any day now, I can’t even begin to imagine the heartache this Woman (Alex’s Grandmother) endured. Our Grands are the best thing in my husband and my lives - our first Grandchild, a girl, is the quintessential Covid Baby - she was literally born the day everything in Canada shut down, and her first year we only saw her occasionally, from a distance. It was heartbreaking, and she has such an incredible bond with my husband (because he is great at playing silly games) - I don’t think he’d survive it if she was taken somewhere. I am SO happy for Nan, that Alex is back in her life. I think Alex said it best when he noted that his Mother “is a good person, just not a good Mother”. Best wishes, Alex, from 🇨🇦.

[@theresaterry164]

This Mother did her son no favors. The fact that this young man doesn’t mind never seeing his Mother again speaks volumes.

[@jeniferdunn4670]

He should write a book. What a lovely humble lad!

[@JustMe-nj6dp]

I'm sure he will ££££££

[@DenDen-mx6cu]

Who really believes this BS!😂

[@jmbeer4348]

All the best! Wish him all the luck in the world!

[@stefs9573]

I hope he is gonna be able to do his education as he wants to. Such a great boy. Very realistic views and empathy. All the luck to you young boy and to your Granparents.

[@Jennifer-mv9pg]

I love the grandmother! No doubt the grandson has inherited her strength and integrity. Love how they are at pains to understand the motivations of the mother. Wishing them all the best for the future

[@Maryhilton-ws6ol]

Motivations of mum was hes her child and no One was taking him away! Off grid no school means no find !!! Does that explain

[@billkeil716]

Incredibly articulate given his circumstances

[@joegreen2750]

What's so interesting about this nonsense story? , he'd been back and forth numerous times for holidays with hie gran. What is wrong with them.?

[@brandoncattermole9403]

Least he is back safe Well Done Alex

[@jonathanscott5252]

Amazing story. First time I’ve heard Alex speak. Blown away by the kid. His maturity and compassion are really next level. He seems embarrassed by the attention and compliments. Just wants to be a regular kid and have a couple dozen pints with his friends. Wishing him and his grandmother all the best in the new year… and beyond.

[@Aeon1019]

Looks like his MUM did a _GREAT JOB_ , was not exposed to the EVILS those in his age group practice.

[@Tims_Gym]

Interesting how many people are complimenting how sharp he is. Almost like staying out of society can do the mind good in some ways.

[@ReenieG1UK]

He will care well for his grandmother when she needs help.....

[@eileenoneill1805]

What a lovely boy. Lots of people live that kind of life in Spain but he knows it’s not what he wants he can go back to school. College live a life if that is what he wants I hope his mother is not mad at him and she will write to him

[@glenjennett]

Very typical for the media to sensationalize someone's trauma after going through a tragedy. Leave the kid alone and let him get back to being with his family.

[@phoebetaylor8089]

He is a mature young man. He spoke so well . His future is still bright, and he will go far .

[@mercyprestige1961]

Well done Alex all the best ❤

[@angelamarynicz7865]

He has probably had a far better education than most kids get in school. His mum did what she thought was best for him at the time and,seeing what an amazing young man he is now, perhaps she was right. I don't see his mum or grandad as abusers in any way shape or form.

[@KINAQUDAM]

Definitely. He must have watched high class movies too and probably wanted to see the rest of the world. He is an explorer. He doesnt look like he had a bad upbringing at all or left isolated.

[@lucienecurtis2209]

Just like all kidnappers

[@patriciaanzelc5386]

He may very well suffer from PTSD at some point in his life. He was traumatized by the constant fear his mother would be caught. That is abuse.

[@Padraigp]

I wonder why he didn't get to see his mom when he was young. Weird scenario.

[@rosealexander9007]

@@Padraigpi have to be honest as an American the whole story is very strange to me. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t know the whole story or if it’s because laws are very different there when it comes to child custody.

[@davidcharleston1314]

Everyone should be anti government we don't need these greedy lieing scumbags when you see a young guy like this survive and come out good. Well done young man you'll survive anything that is thrown at you 👍

[@SC-101]

Such a good looking lad & so well spoken!❤

[@racheltinnion6288]

I don't blame his mum AT ALL!!! she knows the evil of this world!!! This interview was constantly 'prompting him' to see this as bad! He's very articulate and honest. Believe what he says. And his granny... he had every right to be with him mum!

[@Shineon83]

“The whole, six years, I’ve worried about my Mum. I’m still worried about her”….( I hope to goodness they don’t put her in prison. It would destroy this boy’s peace)…

[@deerobins9086]

What a mature young man. I sincerely hope that he can build up his peer group when he starts college. I wishnhim the very best of luck. 😊😊😊😊😊

[@andyroo9381]

This could have turned out such a different way. it's amazing he is home, happy, safe and "normal".

[@glostergloster6945]

What a remarkable guy. So happy for him.

[@Laura-we8wl]

I’m so chuffed for him - that he’s able to reconnect with his pals. That’s wonderful!! Sorry he had a toxic mother. Very narcissistic by the sounds. But so admirable that he is intelligent enough to know this and move on. He doesn’t have to have anything to do with her! - But with respect - Good for him

[@leegardiner1894]

What an utterly astounding sound man. I wish him all the luck and good fortune for his future.

[@margueritelamari5481]

I like that he has loyalty for his mother. I wish him the best of luck for the future.

[@Maryhilton-ws6ol]

Yes hes loyal some are very hateful towards mum cos dad never wanted them

[@isabellajanelee]

Seems like his mum did a great job . Remarkable young man .

[@dianehansma1725]

Warm greetings from Canada! All the best young man, you are going places, you’re amazing!💌

[@shooglies]

What a great young man

[@annsmith2118]

What a remarkable young man. So glad he is home. He will go far in life

[@elizabethstockdale2784]

What an eloquent young man.. almost say it did him good, certainly no harm . In fact , his mum and grand dad deserve huge credit for how they’ve brought him up. I really think most young kids would benefit from being taken away from mainstream education, especially nowadays. Well done Alex… keep that strong head on your shoulders!

[@TommyBOSSK]

Called fruity

[@TommyBOSSK]

You are negative to the kids and dont realise there's always going to be different personalitys.

[@annehutchison4524]

I agree, he hasn’t been exposed to social media and other bad influences that most young kids his age have to deal with, his mother and grandad shouldn’t have done what they did but I feel there is more to this story than meets the eye.

[@elizabethstockdale2784]

@@TommyBOSSK of of course they all have hugely different personalities, but teaching self reliance and open thinking won’t hurt any kids.. (and taking responsibility for their own actions ) and I don’t mean new woke stuff… we are all braver and stronger we think.. and kids need to know that .

[@patriciaanzelc5386]

His mother was emotionally disconnected from him. Did you not listen? He was kept from companionship from his peers and forced to work . He didn’t have a proper education or celebrate the holidays. To top it off he worried constantly his mother and grandfather would be caught. He will most likely need therapy in the future for the trauma he endured.

[@hisheroship]

There are a lot of indicators that he has been treated extremely well in his time away.

[@bink865]

Worryingly, he's in better shape than most teenagers with a normal upbringing

[@TheWildponys]

Perhaps were to quick to judge his mother or grandfather seeing that they took him off grid and expanded his life in numerous yet uncomplicated - unconventional ways. 😂this has absolutely given him a real life experience and awakened many ability’s within his own mind and being. I believe that he prospered and advanced in so many different ways, practical skills and knowledge that has leaped him forward in many ways. Unhook, get off grid, and question authority, or systems is a given right. Truly a sovereign individual as the older Moog once wrote, Yes he missed out on what some society’s - especially a conformist nanny state as Britain, UK. But in many billions of homes in the international community at large he is an example and exemplary example of how others thrive in freedom

[@ValTwineDeaner]

Wow, he's incredible. I sure hope he doesn't change for the worse, coming back here with today's youth. I don't mean that in a derogretry way, but young people are very different. Not quite as well mannered as this young man. He has a great work ethic too. I hope he can secure a great job, or maybe go to college? I wish him well, and I hope he has a fantastic life ahead of him.

[@InvisibleVicky]

I think he’s on the autistic spectrum. Lack of eye contact and how clever he is. Among other things I see. I have autism as do my4 kids.

[@CharlotteFreya21]

I lack on eye contact and I don’t have autism

[@hatty7090]

These hosts are terrible at interviewing. Stop talking so much people, let your guest speak.