Supporters of the Prime Minster, Julia Gillard, worry the episode, due to be screened on Monday night, will serve as a launching pad for Mr Rudd's ambitions while the Rudd camp fears a hatchet job on the Foreign Affairs Minister.

Consequently, both camps want their message to prevail.

The Herald has been told some members of the class of 2007 - those who were elected under Mr Rudd in 2007 but lost their seats in 2010 - have been encouraged by the Rudd camp to be interviewed by the ABC and blame the 2010 leadership change for losing their seats.

It is understood Maxine McKew, who was loyal to Mr Rudd and lost her seat of Bennelong in 2010 after one term, declined to be interviewed. The Herald has also been told Gillard forces have sought to impress upon Four Corners negative tales about Mr Rudd.

Sources say the show's producers have been scouring the mining sector for polling allegedly done by one minerals company and used to impress upon Labor bosses the need for a leadership change. At the time Mr Rudd was dumped, he was at war with the mining sector over his proposed resources super-profits tax.

The program is still being filmed and the ABC remains tight-lipped about it. Ms Gillard has been interviewed but, despite repeated requests, Mr Rudd, who doesn't want to be seen to be making trouble, has declined.

It is understood one right-wing factional boss, who supported the coup against Mr Rudd, now concedes it was a wrong move.