Around 65% of the public are expected to watch the television leaders debates, with half ready to be swayed by the showdowns, a survey has revealed.
The ComRes survey for The Independent and ITV News found that out of 30 million people who said they would tune in, the biggest group (33%) said they would watch the debates and were open to them influencing how they would vote on May 6.
Another 32% say they will watch but their vote will not be influenced by the programmes, while 31% say they will not watch any of the debates.
Almost one in four (37%) of people who decline to say how they will vote are open to persuasion by the debates.
And some 37% of those who do not regard themselves as a natural supporter of any party are open to be influenced.
A ComRes poll published for The Independent and ITV News also shows the Conservatives extending their lead slightly.
It has both the main parties dropping support, with the Tories down one on 35% and Labour falling two to 29%. The Liberal Democrats are up two on 21%.
ComRes interviewed 1,001 adults by telephone on April 12 and 13.
Another poll also showed the Conservatives extending their lead over Labour prior to Thursday's debate.
The YouGov daily tracker poll for The Sun gives David Cameron's party a nine-point advantage over Labour - the highest since the start of the election campaign. It puts the Tories on 41%, two points up on the previous day, while Labour up one on 32%. The Liberal Democrats are down two on 18%.
