Channel Nine’s flagship current affairs program will be axed on Sunday night after producers rushed to bring the episode forward.
The network has cut the running time of 60 Minutes by 15 minutes in a desperate attempt to compete with the rising ratings of rival network Seven.
Nine initially decided not to air 60 Minutes during the Paralympic Games, but at the last minute decided to take on Channel Seven.
That means Sunday’s 60 Minutes will be just 45 minutes long, with the highlight being Tracy Grimshaw’s pre-recorded interview with Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson.
At the same time, competing program Seven Spotlight will screen an exclusive interview with Australian billionaire James Packer and British pop star Robbie Williams.
The couple openly talk about their mental problems.
Both programs start at 8:30pm AEST, but only Spotlight will air for a full hour.
Macpherson has been criticised by medical experts in recent interviews for her controversial views on chemotherapy.
Sunday’s episode of 60 Minutes featuring an interview between Tracy Grimshaw and supermodel Elle Macpherson is only 45 minutes long this Sunday
Nine has rushed to release its episode to compete with Seven’s Spotlight, which sees Liam Bartlett (centre) interview James Packer (left) and Robbie Williams (right)
The supermodel ignored her doctor’s advice to undergo treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer, opting instead for natural remedies.
Macpherson has credited her “holistic approach” to breast cancer with saving her life, but medical professionals have called her beliefs “dangerous and irresponsible.”
She has been discussing her choice all week on television, radio and in magazines.
Macpherson will also discuss her secret alcohol addiction and the public reaction to her ‘holistic’ health views.
“I’m not here to be popular,” she told Grimshaw in a preview of the programme.
Ms Macpherson is expected to discuss her controversial decision to combat her breast cancer diagnosis with natural remedies – a choice doctors opposed
James Packer will discuss his mental health struggles with his close friend Robbie Williams on 7Spotlight
Packer, who is known for his private nature, has been featured in advertisements for Spotlight that discussed 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 don’t interview someone who says to you, ‘I’ve solved it and I have all the answers.’ I’m not that person. I’m here to say… I’m doing my best.”
Williams said the two shared a disease, “a disease of isolation.”
Mr Packer is the son of the late Kerry Packer, who was Nine’s chief executive for decades.
Sports fans who want to watch the Paralympic Games on Sunday evening can watch the broadcast of the Games on 9Gem.