The first live TV exorcism will be broadcast this evening in the USA, with a team of paranormal investigators going into the house.
The two-hour programme, Exorcism Live!, follows a clergyman, a psychic and a team from the television network as they enter the spooky suburban home that inspired The Exorcist book and film, according to The Independent.
"People have called it the biggest supernatural mystery in American history — so many tales that have come out of that house and still exist around it," Jodi Tovay, the programme's producer said. "So we almost had to do something."
This is the first exorcism to be filmed live, avoiding the accusation which follow similar recorded shows as there is no possibility that images are manipulated.
Bishop James Long, the clergy member participating in the exorcism, speaking about sceptics who do not believe in the spiritual, said: "I'm not here to prove that demons exist. I am here to help families who know they do."
As the founder of the Paranormal Clergy Institute, Long assists those who think their house has a demonic infestation through providing clergy members to investigate.
When asked about the existence of the demonic, he said: "I know for a fact that demonic possession exists, I know that without question. If I didn't know, I would be doing something else."
His intention of taking part of the programme is to ensure the safety of all those involved and to perform a minor rite of exorcism. He says he hopes to force the evil entity in the house to manifest so that the team can get rid of it.
William Blatty's 1971 horror novel, The Exorcist, was based on the real-life case of Roland Doe, described by The Washington Post at the time as "perhaps one of the most remarkable experiences of its kind in recent history."
In 1949, Doe became seriously ill, screaming in languages he had not learnt, and doctors did not know what to do. Religious leaders concluded he was possessed by the devil.
Through a Catholic exorcism, a priest freed Doe from his demons.
"Ever since the attempted exorcism of Roland Doe rumours have swirled that the house is still possessed by an evil entity," Destination America, the TV network broadcasting the exorcism this evening, explains on its website.
The Catholic Archdiocese of St Louis has released a statement condemning the exorcism.
"Any purported exorcism by spiritualists, paranormal investigators, mediums, or non-Catholic clerics for the purposes of entertainment trivializes this ancient rite of the Roman Catholic Church and the very real danger of evil," the statement said.
"Any attempt to use the solemn Rite of Exorcism as entertainment exposes all participators to the danger of future hidden satanic attack," said Bishop Hermann. "We cannot play games with Satan and expect to win."
