Australians are set to be given a stark choice on Sunday night - whether to watch a debate between Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott, or the final of reality TV cooking show MasterChef.
While details are still being worked through, it's expected the prime minister and opposition leader will go head to head at the National Press Club in Canberra on Sunday.
It is likely to be the first and only leaders' debate of the 2010 election despite a call from Mr Abbott for three debates.
The timing of the debate means it is set to go up against the ratings dynamo MasterChef, the final of which airs on Sunday night from 7.30pm (AEST).
Ms Gillard on Monday night said she still believed Australians were interested enough in politics to watch the debate.
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"I can understand the fascination with cooking and eating, so I know many Australians will watch that show, but I think Australians still pay some regard to the debate and to the election campaign and what's said in it," Ms Gillard told ABC Television.
But while trying to plug the debate, the prime minister also gave Australians reason not to tune in to the Gillard and Abbott hour. "I've debated Tony Abbott a fair bit in the past.
We've routinely debated each other on TV and other places," she said.
"As I understand it the debate is likely to be Sunday night but I've debated Tony Abbott a lot of times."
