Channel Nine’s flagship current affairs programme will be interrupted on Sunday evening after producers made a frantic race to bring forward the episode.
The network has cut the length of 60 Minutes by 15 minutes in a desperate bid to compete with the rising ratings of rival network Seven.
Nine initially decided not to broadcast 60 Minutes during the Paralympics, but changed its mind at the last minute and entered into competition with Channel Seven.
This means 60 Minutes will only run for 45 minutes on Sunday, headlined by Tracy Grimshaw’s pre-recorded interview with Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson.
At the same time, rival show Seven Spotlight will feature an exclusive interview with Australian billionaire James Packer and British pop star Robbie Williams.
The couple will speak candidly about their mental health issues.
Both shows will begin at 8:30pm AEST, but only Spotlight will air for the full hour.
Macpherson has faced criticism from medical experts in recent interviews over his controversial views on chemotherapy.
Sunday’s episode of 60 Minutes, which features an interview between Tracy Grimshaw and supermodel Elle Macpherson, will only last 45 minutes this Sunday.
Nine was quick to release its episode to compete with Seven’s Spotlight, which will see Liam Bartlett (centre) interview James Packer (left) and Robbie Williams (right).
The supermodel ignored doctors’ advice to undergo treatment after developing breast cancer and opted for natural remedies.
Macpherson credited her “holistic approach” to breast cancer with saving her life, but medical professionals have called her beliefs “dangerous and irresponsible”.
She has already been talking about her choice on television, radio and in magazines all week.
Macpherson will also address his secret alcohol addiction and the public’s reaction to his “holistic” health beliefs.
“I’m not here to be popular,” she told Grimshaw in a preview of the show.
Macpherson is expected to speak out about her controversial decision to fight her breast cancer diagnosis with natural remedies, a choice opposed by doctors.
James Packer to discuss mental health struggles alongside longtime friend Robbie Williams on 7Spotlight
Packer, a notoriously private man, has appeared in Spotlight ads talking about his mental health.
“Money is no guarantee of happiness,” the billionaire said.
“I’m not here to play the victim… it’s a journey. You’re not interviewing someone who’s telling you, ‘I’ve got it all figured out and I’ve got all the answers.’ I’m not that person. I’m here saying… I’m doing the best I can.”
Williams said they both shared a disease, “a disease of isolation.”
Mr Packer is the son of the late Kerry Packer, who was Nine’s top boss for decades.
Sports fans hoping to watch the Paralympics this Sunday night can catch coverage of the Games on 9Gem.
