Sky News and Channel 4 are expected to confirm that David Cameron and Ed Miliband will be interviewed separately by Jeremy Paxman next Thursday with the show aired by both broadcasters.
The two networks have issued an appeal for people to take part in the studio audience when they will be able to ask questions of the two leaders in a discussion chaired by Sky News’ anchor Kay Burley.
“Assuming our plans meet with final approval from the political parties involved, the interviews will take place in London on 26 March and will be conducted by Jeremy Paxman,” said the appeal.
Confirmation was expected on Thursday but it is understood there are some complications to be ironed out.
The programme would be the first of the pre-election TV events, with ITV due to host the only debate between all seven party leaders, hosted by Julie Etchingham, the following Thursday, on 2 April.
But it remains to be seen which of the party leaders will be grilled first by Paxman - insiders said it would be a “massive advantage” to whoever is interviewed second because they would already have heard their rival’s answers.
It is understood that one of the sticking points of the joint Sky/Channel 4 broadcast is the complication of the two not sharing the stage and which order they appear in. They are also due to be quizzed by the studio audience.
The person who goes second could arguably have an advantage if they hear the questions being asked and the responses, while the first person would not have chance to respond - potentially proving an impartiality headache.
It could be solved by whoever goes second not being allowed to watch what happens to the first leader.
The dual interviews have been parachuted into Channel 4’s schedule in place of political drama Coalition.
Coalition, the dramatisation of the events of the seven days after the 2010 general election that led to the Tories and Liberal Democrats forming a coalition government has been moved two days later, to Saturday 28 March.
