Chris Smith has vouched for the character of William Tyrrell’s foster mother and father amid police and public scrutiny.

Chris has interviewed the parents in the past and maintains contact with them.

He told Ben Fordham in the “couple of short communications” he’s had in recent weeks, the parents have been “petrified” and “wracked with fragility”.

“If the foster mother is guilty of this, she is the greatest actor in Australian criminal history.”

The pair have been charged with the assault of a child who is not William Tyrrell, which Chris also “[doesn’t] believe for a second”.

“I know these people, and I don’t buy it.”

He took aim at the renewed police search, which came just days after missing WA child Cleo Smith was found, and its failure thus far to uncover William’s remains or other evidence.

“I find the whole timing a bit suss.”

Press PLAY below to hear Chris’ comments in full