On September 26th Donald Trump is set to go head to head with Hillary Clinton in the first of three presidential debates. The showdown is set to eclipse Nixon, Kennedy and become one of the highest rating political TV events in history.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, both candidates will take to the stage knowing their performance may well decide who will become the next President of the United States. This historic event will be broadcast live by Channel 4 and presented by Matt Frei. 

The billionaire, reality TV star will take on Hillary Clinton at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York. Over 90 minutes major topics, selected by a moderator, will be debated by the candidates. They will have two minutes to talk about each topic and also have a chance to respond to each other. 

It has all the potential to be an explosive and controversial spectacle for what is expected to be a global audience. 

The live broadcast will follow on from of three Channel 4 films documenting the rise of Donald Trump, from the beginning of the primaries to Republican nomination. Broadcast in 2016 the films together have attracted an audience of over 5.5 million viewers. 

Channel 4 Current Affairs Commissioning Editor, George Waldrum said: “This has been a US election like no other with phenomenal public interest. Everyone wants to know if Trump can really pull off a shock victory. We’re excited to bring what could be a pivotal moment in both Clinton and Trump’s bid to be the next President, to a UK audience. It’s unmissable” 

ITN Productions will produce the coverage.

The debate will take place on Monday 26th September 9pm US eastern time, Tuesday 27th September 2am BST