article: Nigel Farage has revealed his preparation technique for tonight's crunch election debate – no booze until 6pm. The Ukip leader said he wanted to 'keep his mind as clear as possible' before the two-hour live TV showdown. But he admitted that he would break his drink ban at 6pm before heading into the studio for the showdown against Britain's six other political party leaders. admitted that he would break his drink ban at 6pm before heading into the studio for the showdown against Britain's six other political party leaders . Mr Farage, speaking on FubarRadio.com, said: 'I think that for a big event like this there is a risk people over-prepare. They are over-scripted. 'They have decided what their lines are before they go in front of the camera to answer the questions.' He added: 'I just want to keep my mind as clear as I possibly can and not have a drink – until after 6 o'clock.' A Ukip aide had previously admitted Mr Farage would have a drink or two ahead of the debate. Asked what preparations Mr Farage would be making today ahead of the debate, the spokesman said: 'He'll have a couple of gin and tonics and on you go.' Mr Farage has been made the bookies favourite to come out on top in tonight's ITV showdown. Mr Cameron insisted he was not nervous and was 'relishing' the prospect of the two-hour debate in the ITV studios at Salford's MediaCityUK (pictured) Ed Miliband arrives for a Q&A session at Bury Town Hall  ahead of the televised Leaders debate in Manchester tonight . David Cameron met pupils during his visit to King's Leadership Academy in Warrington while on the General Election campaign trail . He has admitted feeling 'pretty good' about his TV test, telling Sky News: 'I hope the truth comes out on some issues. 'Particularly, I shall be arguing and asking the Prime Minister and others, will they please admit that, as members of the EU, we cannot have an immigration policy of any kind at all.' Mr Cameron and Mr Farage will share the platform tonight with Labour's Ed Miliband and Lib Dem Nick Clegg, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, the Green Party's Natalie Bennett and Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood. Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett meets supporters and media in Piccadilly Gardens as she arrives in Manchester today . It is the only time Mr Cameron will go up against Mr Miliband, with one of them certain to be Prime Minister after May 7. Mr Cameron had earlier joked that he would use jujitsu to 'put Nigel Farage on the floor' – after asking schoolchildren about the best way to deal with the Ukip leader. The PM later backtracked, insisting there will be 'no bodily contact' during the debate. All of the party leaders have spent the day preparing for tonight's debate, with Mr Cameron facing the prospect of having to defend the Tory-led government from attack on several fronts. Mr Cameron visited King's Leadership Academy in Warrington, where he spoke to pupils about their favourite sports. Chatting in a playground, the Tory leader said: 'In this debate tonight, jujitsu, is that the right thing?' To laughter he added: 'Shall I get Nigel Farage and put him on the floor, is that OK?' But later he played down the idea of physical violence, telling reporters: 'It was a joke. There'll be no bodily contact tonight.' Mr Cameron insisted he was not nervous and was 'relishing' the prospect of the two-hour debate in the ITV studios at Salford's MediaCityUK. Mr Cameron told reporters: 'It is a chance to get across that we have a long-term economic plan that is working.' Mr Clegg meanwhile has said he will go for a walk to 'clear my head' before making his way to the TV studios, while Mr Miliband said the best preparation was 'getting out to meet people'. Addressing supporters in Bury, Mr Miliband said the most important people on the night for him were not the other six leaders or moderator Julie Etchingham but 'the British public'. Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood arrives at the ITV Studios at MediaCityUK in Salford Quays today . Lots have been drawn to agree where each of the leaders will stand and when they get to speak. The agreed line up behind the podiums will be, from left to right: Natalie Bennett (Green), Nick Clegg (Lib Dem), Nigel Farage (Ukip), Ed Miliband (Labour), Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP) and David Cameron (Conservative). Names drawn out of a hat also helped to decide who will get to speak first, with Ms Bennett opening proceedings and Mr Cameron having the final word by giving the last closing remarks. The two-hour live debate will be be screened from 8pm to 10pm. Each leader will give an opening statement to a studio audience of around 200 people. They will then be allowed to deliver an uninterrupted one-minute answer to each question, before 18 minutes of debate on each question. There will be just four 'substantial election questions' covered during the night. Each leader will then give a closing statement to the cameras, before the programme ends at 10pm.
highlights: The Ukip leader said he wanted to 'keep his mind as clear as possible'
  But he said he would break his drink ban at 6pm before going to the studio .
  Ukip aide said he would have 'a couple of gin and tonics' before the debate .
  Mr Farage has been made the bookies favourite for tonight's ITV showdown .
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