The Times Big Debate at the Intercontinental Hotel was the fourth one for the party leaders this election, but, still, facing the audience off a podium is never an easy ride.

Timesofmalta.com had a peek behind the scenes yesterday, and talked to the three party leaders about how they coped with the pre-debate nerves.

Lawrence Gonzi, Joseph Muscat and Michael Brigulio, donning heavy TV make-up were all quite tense, although quite coy about it.

The three of them said that they were feeling “fine” and “focused”.

Dr Muscat said he keeps his nerves in control with some breathing exercises. Dr Brigulio said he resorts to camomile tea. "If I have coffee right now I'll be way too hyper ".

Dr Gonzi took to mints, saying that he felt well prepared and focused.

Dr Brigulio, a university lecturer, said that his job helps in public speaking training – and for last minute advice, AD’s Arnold Cassola was at hand.

In his ‘make up’ room, Dr Muscat was flanked by his PR officers Glenn Bedingfield and Kurt Farrugia. Dr Gonzi was briefed by PN’s General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier.

In the meantime, the audience quickly filled up the Cettina De Cesare Hall. The front rows were occupied by the party people and election candidates from all three parties. In the back there some conspicuous attendees: Independent MP Jefferey Pullicino Orlando sat at the back next to Kevin Drake.

At 8.45pm, debate co-ordinator Paul Spiteri Lucas rounded up the three leaders and they walked the walk, amid flashes of cameras and press jostling, to the hall and took their place behind their podiums. The tension was palpable on their faces and in their body language. Gradually they start to thaw, and then the fun began.

The debate will be broadcast on TVM 2 tonight at 8.40.

Above Filming: Jason Borg, editing Mark Zammit Cordina