PM took part in pre-election clashes last year but avoided a one on one

Not to be repeated? David Cameron, pictured during 2015 election debate, is reportedly ready to refuse TV debates during the referendum campaign

David Cameron today appeared ready to refuse to take part in any head to head TV debates ahead of the EU referendum.

In what is set to be a repeat of the long running row ahead of the general election, the Prime Minister has reportedly ruled out a television clash.

But a top pollster today warned failing to appear in a debate could drive voters to the Out campaign.

Mr Cameron eventually agreed to take part in a series of election programmes last year but after protracted negotiations stood firm on his refusal to go one on one with Ed Miliband.

The Sun today said Mr Cameron was keen to avoid clashing directly with other senior Conservative during the heat of the referendum campaign.

The paper added that the Prime Minister's team sees little benefit in a clash with Ukip leader Nigel Farage - who took on ex Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg in European Parliament election TV debates in 2014 and was widely seen as the victor.

TV debates have become an established part of British elections after taking place in various formats since the 2010 poll.

Then, the three main leaders took part in three head to head clashes on live television.

Ahead of last May's elections, Mr Cameron took part in a seven way debate as well two other programmes where he appeared in the same programme as other leaders but not on the same stage.

Together with Ed Miliband, he took part in a Channel 4-Sky News show which involved an interview with Jeremy Paxman and audience questions.

In a final clash a week before polling day, Mr Cameron, Mr Miliband and Mr Clegg all appeared separately before the same BBC Question Time audience.

Ipsos Mori chief executive today told the Daily Telegraph not appearing in debates would now be a risk for Mr Cameron because opponents could suggest he was 'running scared'.

Mr Page said: 'If the Prime Minister doesn't take part in debates, the public will be wondering why. His opponents will be able to say he is running scared.

'It might have an effect, but a lot of people make up their minds a long time before they see any of these debates that confirm their prejudices.

Mr Cameron did take part in a TV debate at last year's general election alongside six other party leaders on ITV - prompting a pollster to suggest not appearing could make the PM appear 'scared'

Mr Cameron's is reportedly not keen to take on Nigel Farage who was widely thought to have been Nick Clegg in TV debates ahead of the 2014 European Parliament elections

'Ultimately it depends how close it is. If it is very close then anything can make a difference, a bad debate might make all the difference.

'They are important and people will be expecting them.'

Mr Cameron has hinted before he may not agree to debates.

He said last month: 'When we have settled the issue of the renegotiation then it will be a question of looking at how we best make sure that this debate, these arguments, are best put before the British people.

'I am very happy to talk about that at the time.