Theresa May will not be "empty chaired" when she snubs the first televised election leaders' debate later this week.
The Prime Minister's team has made clear that she will not debate Labour, the SNP and other political parties.
At the weekend SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon accused Mrs May of being too “feart” to take part.
ITV said that an offer to both Mrs May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn remains open despite their refusal to appear on the programme.
The broadcaster said that they would keep spots open for both party leaders until the live showdown begins on Thursday evening.
But it confirmed that it would not ‘empty chair’ those who do not take part.
ITV said that there would be the "right number of podiums for leaders who attend on the night".
The leaders of the seven parties represented in ITV’s 2015 leaders' debate - the Conservatives, Labour, SNP, Liberal Democrats, Ukip, Plaid Cymru and the Greens - have all been invited to attend.
Like two years ago, politicians will be given the opportunity to make short opening before facing questions from the audience.
The public will be able to quiz Mrs May and Mr Corbyn in a BBC Question Time special hosted by veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby.
The BBC will also broadcast a live election debate on May 31 from Cambridge, involving senior Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, SNP, Plaid Cymru, Green Party and Ukip politicians.
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