Updated

It's not a debate, but live televised interviews of Prime Minister David Cameron and opposition leader Ed Miliband are being billed as a campaign kickoff less than two months before Britain's general election.

Conservative leader Cameron went first in the show Thursday night, facing harsh questions from prominent TV journalist Jeremy Paxman. Cameron said Britain's economy is growing and the deficit cut.

Miliband, the Labour Party leader, was set to follow, with each expected to face 45 minutes of questioning from Paxman and a studio audience. They weren't expected to share a stage at the studio.

They are leading contenders in the May 7 general election, but other parties are expected to play a major role. A more formal debate is set for next week with other party leaders participating.