He warned the BBC may have broken its own rules and, though he says he doesn’t want to stop the programmes, he insists the SNP must be involved in any debate shown in Scotland and that going to court remains a possibility.

The broadcasters have agreed terms with Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats for a series of live “prime ministerial” debates during the election campaign.

But the absence of a place for the SNP was branded unacceptable by Mr Salmond who says the SNP must be involved in any debate in Scotland.

The SNP is to hold talks with the BBC to try to defuse the row. One suggestion is that Mr Salmond could be offered a role commenting on the performance of the leaders in a studio discussion after their debate.

His spokesperson said: “The SNP have always said that we are prepared to be flexible in the format for the debates. The SNP are the party of Government in Scotland and are leading in the latest opinion polls for the Westminster elections. ”

The BBC said it would be holding separate debates in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mr Salmond said: “I’m hoping we can get a positive outcome that allows the viewers to see political debate but also one which respects fairness and does what’s right.”

A Labour spokesman said: “Once again, Alex Salmond’s ego has been brought down with a bump. He isn’t a candidate for prime minister so it might be more sensible if the SNP instead accepted Labour’s call for an all-party general election debate to be screened in Scotland, as well as the prime ministerial debates.”