Political heavyweights will be among those discussing the issues of the day when the BBC's flagship debating programme Question Time is broadcast from Weymouth tonight.

The show, presented by journalist Fiona Bruce, is being held at The Bay Theatre at Weymouth College.

Panellists lined up are Environment Secretary George Eustice, former Conservative Cabinet member Michael Portillo, left wing political activist Ash Sarkar, Labour MP Alison McGovern and the economist and author Howard Davies.

A spokesman for The Bay Theatre said: “We are very excited to announce that on Thursday, February 20 the BBC’s flagship political discussion show Question Time will be broadcasting live from The Bay Theatre at Weymouth College.”

Local people had a chance to be part of the audience and ask questions, and were contacted by producers this week.

Question Time from Weymouth can be seen on BBC1 tonight at 10.35pm .

It will be repeated on BBC Parliament on Sunday (6pm) and on BBC2 on Monday (1.25am).