Three years ago measles had been eliminated totally from the UK followung the introduction of the MMR vaccine.

But now, the potentially deadly disease has returned as fewer children are being vaccinated.

The MMR vaccine is offered from free on the NHS and protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Two doses of the jab mean 99 percent of people are protected against one of the world's most contagious diseases.

Two jabs have been offered in the UK since 1996 but a damning report by now disgraced doctor, Andrew Wakefield, has seen take-ups of the vaccine decline.

Andrew Wakefield claimed there was a link between the MMR jab and autism, which has since been disproved (
Image:
Justin Sutcliffe/REX/Shutterstock)

The majority of the new measles cases are now being found in people who have not been vaccinated.

In the first three months of this year alone there have been 230 cases of measles compared to just 284 in the whole of 2017.

Experts from the World Health Organisation, who have revoked the UK's measle-free status because of the sharp rise in the number of cases, say some people may be opting out of the vaccine because they have become complacent to the risk of measles.

But another key factor is the publication of Wakefield's research in the late 1990s.

In it, he claimed there was a link with the MMR vaccine and autism, which has now been discredited and Wakefield struck off the UK's medical register.

Wakefield fled to the US with his first wife following the fall-out from his discredited research (
Image:
AFP/Getty Images)

And his damning report not only led to a downturn in the number of people having the vaccine in Britain, it also affected take-up rates in the US.

The MMR vaccine is a totally safe jab.

Wakefield is now a staunch supporter of the anti-vaccination movement and has even directed a film, Vaxxed, which claims to show a "US health cover-up".

However, the film had to be withdrawn from the Tribecca film festival after founder Robert De Niro would not allow it to be included.

Despite this, Wakefield is said to have several powerful supporters, including US President Donald Trump.

Wakefield is now believed to be a relationship with Elle MacPherson (
Image:
Getty Images)

But despite the controversy surrounding the disgraced doctor, he is reported to be in a relationship with one of the world's most beautiful women - model Elle Macpherson.

Dubbed The Body because of her stunning figure and ageless beaut, the pair were snapped buying organic vegetables from a supermarket and kissing as they made their purchases.

His relationship with the model came after he and his wife, Carmel, along with their children fled to the US at the height of the controversy following the publication of his MMR research.

Wakefield is believed to have left the family home early last year and is said to have met Elle shortly aftewards at an awards ceremony.

Elle is said to have started Wakefield on a new healthy eating regime (
Image:
Splash News / SplashNews.com)

They have been snapped holding hands together several times since and Wakefield is said to be "infatuated" with the supermodel, known for her healthy lifestyle.

Brian Burrowes, the man who edited Wakefield's controversial documentary Vaxxed, told Mail Online : "He's obviously a bit infatuated. He did say to me 'Brian, how did this happen?'

"I laughed and said I really didn't know how this happened. I'm just really happy for him."

Elle and Wakefield are also said to have enjoyed several mini-breaks, visiting friends.

The model is also reported to be responsible for Wakefield's trimmer figure after introducing him to different health foods and switching up his wardrobe.

Autism campaigner Polly Tommey said: "Elle is such a sweetheart. She's got him on these shakes now for his lunch and dinner.

"He's lost weight, he's swapped his dodgy jackets for linens, he looks fitter than ever.

"I actually think she's lucky to have him. They are really happy together. He's deliriously in love and we are all thrilled about that."

And they also appear to be social media official as they both follow each other on Instagram with Elle commenting on some of Wakefield's photos.