RICHMOND — U.S. Senate candidates Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner have agreed to appear in a live, televised debate in Roanoke next month, ending a dispute that had Gilmore accusing Warner of trying to avoid a televised forum.

The Oct. 3 debate will be hosted by WSLS (Channel 10), which will make its feed available to television stations throughout the state. The one-hour debate will begin at 7 p.m. It will be the third debate between the two former governors, but likely the only one made available for statewide broadcast.

Details about debate's format, including the selection of a moderator and media panel, are still being negotiated, representatives of the two campaigns said today. But Gilmore, the Republican nominee, is eager for the opportunity to draw distinctions with his Democratic rival, spokeswoman Ana Gamonal said.

"We’re very happy that Mark Warner has finally agreed to a statewide, televised debate," Gamonal said.

The debate flap flared up last month after Warner’s campaign declined an invitation for a televised debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Virginia. A Warner spokesman said the campaign could not commit to a specific date by the League’s Aug. 25 deadline, but was considering other debate invitations. Gilmore accused Warner of ducking a televised debate.

Warner leads in public opinion polls and holds a sizeable funding advantage over Gilmore, making a televised debate opportunity more valuable to Gilmore. But with the debate occurring on a Friday night, the candidates will have a tough time drawing a large audience.