By Penelope Kilby and Amy Croffey
Published: 02:58 EST, 6 July 2014 | Updated: 07:26 EST, 6 July 2014
No questions were off limits when British journalist Michael Parkinson sat down with former Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe.
In a promo for the highly anticipated interview set to air on Network Ten July 13th, Australia's most decorated Olympian was posed the question that has plagued Thorpe his entire career - is he, or isn't he gay?
In the 25 second clip, Parkinson said to Thorpe: 'You've always said that you're not gay... is all of that true?'
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No holds barred! The tell-all interview with will air on July 13 on Network Ten
The scene then cuts to an uncomfortable looking Thorpe, 31, who appears to be nervously finding his words.
The cliff-hanger was just a taste of what viewers can expect from the no holds barred interview.
Thorpe, who will be part of Network Ten's Commonwealth Games commentary team this month, has just overcome a physical and mental battle following complications arising from shoulder surgery that almost cost him his arm.
Superhuman! Known as the the Thorpedo during his stellar career, Thorpe smashed 22 world records and along the way won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals
Parkinson said Thorpe's decision that no question was off limits was brave and says he examines the good times and the bad of the Australian swimming legend.
'His fight against depression offers a unique insight into the darker side of celebrity and success,' Parkinson said in a statement released by Ten.
'What fascinates me most about Ian is that apart from the very beginning of his career, he never seemed to enjoy and celebrate his success.
'Ian Thorpe has always been near the top of my list to interview.
'Not many athletes can claim to be the best of all time. Ian can.'
A good get! 'Ian has always been near the top of my list to interview,' Parkinson said
Parkinson is renowned for not being afraid to ask the tough and sometimes uncomfortable questions.
Some of the British journalist's most memorable moments includes the time that boxer Muhammad Ali squared up to him for calling him Cassius Clay instead of by his Muslim name, and when former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham let slip her nickname for husband David was Golden Balls.
Former British Primer Minister Tony Blair also spoke about the time that his father-in-law had asked permission to smoke cannabis in front of him, while his chat with Hollywood A-lister Meg Ryan made for uncomfortable viewing when she appeared moody and unresponsive and asked for the interview to be wrapped up.
Straight talker: Parkinson, pictured with his wife Mary, is renowned for not being afraid to ask the tough and sometimes uncomfortable questions
Known as the the Thorpedo during his stellar career, Thorpe smashed 22 world records and along the way won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals.
He has also won 11 World titles and 11 (10 gold, one silver) Commonwealth Games medals.
Thorpe first retired in November, 2006, aged 24, and then made an ill-fated comeback in 2011 when he failed to make the Australian team for the 2012 London Games.
Ten has announced it will air the TV special, Ian Thorpe: The Parkinson Interview, on Sunday, July 13, at 6.30pm.
New role: Thorpe will be part of Network Ten's Commonwealth Games commentary team this month
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