Leading entrepreneurs join Sky News to take on BBCs Question Time with new debate show

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Sky News is to launch a new current affairs discussion show that will featuring panellists including outgoing FA chairman Greg Dyke, journalist Rachel Johnson alongside entrepreneurs lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone, ex-dragon James Caan and Aprentice winner Michelle Dewberry.

The new weekly discussion show, called The Pledge, is Sky’s take on programmes including BBC’s Question Time and ITV’s The Agenda.

However, the broadcaster has told The Guardian that its new show is “unique to British television” because the panellists will discuss the “burning issues” of the week without a moderator to control the debate.

Each week five panellists, from a pool of nine, will appear on the show each raising an issue that will be thrashed out among the group.

“This format will really deliver something new and the programme will celebrate common sense,” said John McAndrew, director of content for Sky News. “We want to bring our viewers more opinion, debate and argument on the most engaging subjects.”

The pool of panellists includes LBC breakfast show host Nick Ferrari, Dragons’ Den tycoon James Caan, TV presenter June Sarpong, former England footballer Graeme Le Saux, Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry and Telegraph journalist Emma Barnett.

The first show, which will be filmed at Sky Studios in Osterley, will air from 8pm to 9pm every Thursday from this week.