Who will win BBC Sports Personality of the Year award 2025?
We round up the top contenders to win the BBC SPOTY award in 2025.
Tonight is the night. The BBC Sports Personality of the Year will be named this evening, with six homegrown stars vying for the 2025 crown. It has been a phenomenal year for British sport and all six of the nominees would be deserving winners were they named as the successor to 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson, who added the prestigious award to her Paris 2024 gold last year. Criteria include personal and team sporting achievements over the past year, plus their impact across the nation – but, contrary to popular belief, the award has nothing to do with an individual's personality. It is, of course, down to the public to decide. But who will be crowned BBC SPOTY for 2025? RadioTimes.com outlines why each of the nominees could finish the evening on top. Who will win BBC Sports Personality of the Year award 2025? Rory McIlroy If he doesn't win it this year, he never will. Rory McIlroy admitted that fact himself recently after revealing that he would be attending this year's ceremony to cap off a remarkable 12 months and will arrive this evening as the bookies' favourite. McIlroy wrote his name among the golfing immortals by finally winning The Masters to become one of just four players to complete the Grand Slam, winning all four of the sport's majors, and the first European to do so. The Northern Irishman's final round at Augusta was absolute box office and his emotional outpouring on the 18th green was unforgettable. McIlroy's heroics continued at the Ryder Cup, where he was a lightning rod for abuse from the American crowds but showed his mettle, playing a key role in a famous away victory for Team Europe, and he then clinched a seventh Race to Dubai title by finishing top of the DP World Tour season-long standings for 2025. Chloe Kelly What a year it has been for Chloe Kelly, who began it out of favour at Man City and finishes as one of the bookies' favourites for SPOTY. "A year of learnings, a year of success, and a year of smiles," was Kelly's own reflection on a remarkable 2025 in an interview with RadioTimes.com. The 27-year-old's move to Arsenal proved a roaring success as she helped Renee Slegers's side win the Champions League but it is her exploits at Euro 2025 that have taken her to the hearts of the nation. Kelly proved England's catalyst time and time again – coming off the bench to inspire the Lionesses to a remarkable comeback against Sweden, bagging the extra-time winner against Italy and then, with ice running through her veins, scoring the winning penalty in the final against Spain. SPOTY is not handed out on personality, but she has it in droves. Hannah Hampton <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/07/GettyImages-2227268208-1365913.jpg" width="3287" height="2191" alt="Hannah Hampton of England saves the second penalty from Mariona Caldentey of Spain in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final match between England and Spain at St. Jakob-Park on July 27, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland." title="Hannah Hampton of England saves the second penalty from Mariona Caldentey of Spain in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final match between England and Spain at St. Jakob-Park on July 27, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland." /> England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton played a starring role for club and country in 2025. Her brilliance between the sticks was vital as Chelsea marched to a domestic treble – going unbeaten in the Women's Super League while getting their hands on the FA Cup and League Cup as well. But the best was yet to come for Hampton, who was picked over much-loved shot-stopper Mary Earps ahead of Euro 2025 and repaid Sarina Wiegman's faith in droves. It was a tournament that transfixed the nation and the 25-year-old's saves were vital in ensuring the Lionesses defended their European crown. Hampton was the hero in not one but two penalty shoot-outs, including denying Spain twice from the spot in the final. She's already been justly rewarded with the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award and Ballon d'Or Yashin Trophy. Only time will tell if she can beat out Kelly and the rest of the nominees to be named SPOTY as well but she's an outsider with the bookies as things stand. Ellie Kildunne In a dominant year for the Red Roses, Ellie Kildunne was the star. The full-back showcased her searing pace, quick feet and lethal finishing as England stormed to a Six Nations triumph and then helped to deliver the Women's Rugby World Cup on home turf. A head injury put her out of action for part of the tournament but Kildunne returned to steer the hosts past France in the semi-final and then beat Canada in the final – scoring tries in both matches. Despite her success, the 26-year-old could barely believe that she'd been nominated when her agent told her. Victory on Thursday, which the bookies believe is unlikely, would make her the first female rugby player to win and only her sport's second winner after Jonny Wilkinson in 2003 but as she told RadioTimes.com recently, the nomination is "big enough anyway". She explained: "Being nominated and to be in a space where, for years, we've been told that no one's going to watch it and no one's bothered about women playing rugby, to now standing up and saying, well, actually, I've got a nomination for something as big as SPOTY. "It's something that I'm hugely proud of and it puts women's rugby on a platform." Luke Littler Luke Littler has continued his ascent from rising star to household name. 'The Nuke' became the youngest player to win the World Championship in January and has added the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and UK Open titles among a host of others since. It's not just about the trophies; the teenage sensation is a pure entertainer, producing high-octane moments almost every time he steps up to the oche, and has transcended darts. Littler looks like an outside bet for the award this year but the 18-year-old is a shoo-in to win it in the future. Lando Norris Lando Norris has become the first British winner of the F1 Drivers' Championship since Lewis Hamilton. Norris enjoyed a hugely impressive season, holding off McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and a late surge from Red Bull's Max Verstappen to win his first world championship. Among his race wins was a British Grand Prix victory at Silverstone and the 25-year-old is now eyeing the SPOTY trophy as well, while the bookies have him in the top three alongside McIlroy and Kelly. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025? SPOTY date, time, latest news
Your complete guide to when BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 will go ahead.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for 2025 will be handed out this evening at the annual celebration of the best and brightest in British sport. Paris 2024 gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson got her hands on the famous trophy last year and six nominees – golfer Rory McIlroy, Red Roses talisman Ellie Kildunne, Lionesses duo Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, teenage darts sensation Luke Littler, and F1 driver Lando Norris – are vying to become her successor. It has been a big year for UK sport. From McIlroy's Masters triumph, the Lionesses claiming back-to-back Euros titles, England's dominant Women's Rugby World Cup win on home soil, a Lions Tour win in Australia, the Ryder Cup triumph in America, and Norris clinching the F1 world championship. Plenty to celebrate then on a night that will also see awards handed out for Young Sports Personality of the Year, World Sport Star of the Year, Team of the Year, Lifetime Achievement award, and the Helen Rollason award, which recognises outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. It will be a who's who of British sport and the perfect way to reflect on 12 months that has given us so many thrilling moments. RadioTimes.com brings you all the latest on the date and time of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 ceremony, as well as the location for this year's star-studded event. When is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025? The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 18th December 2025. How can you watch BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 on TV? BBC SPOTY will air live on BBC One from 7pm. Presenters Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott will reprise their hosting roles. Where is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 held? The show will be held at MediaCity in Salford – home of the BBC – with a glitzy ceremony in store with something for everyone to enjoy on the night. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Chloe Kelly on facing Hannah Hampton at SPOTY, iconic celebrations, and the setbacks that made her
The England and Arsenal star is on the shortlist for Thursday's main prize...
Chloe Kelly is hungrier than ever for success after a remarkable 12 months, but she'll be celebrating at Thursday's Sports Personality of the Year awards no matter the result. A year that started with struggles has brought a Champions League winners medal, a starring role in England's Euro 2025 win, and a place on the SPOTY shortlist. "A year of learnings, a year of success, and a year of smiles," is, in her own words, how she will remember 2025. "I think for me, on and off the pitch, [it's been about] finding happiness and feeling in a really good head space." In January, Kelly found herself out of favour at Man City and facing the prospect of missing the Euros as a result. The 27-year-old has been open about the mental and physical impact of that period, which left her suffering from severe anxiety and panic attacks, as well as the vital support she received from her mother, husband Scott Moore, and others. She took control of her own fate, forcing a move to Arsenal that helped her to "break the cycle I was stuck in". Kelly's contributions – particularly in a comeback victory over Real Madrid – were vital as the Gunners won the Champions League for the first time in 18 years, a triumph that helped her secure her spot in the Lionesses squad for Euro 2025. The attacker would more than repay Sarina Wiegman's faith. She came up clutch with big moments off the bench and even hammered home the penalty that downed Spain and confirmed England were crowned back-to-back European champions. It was no surprise, then, to see her named on the SPOTY shortlist alongside England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, golfer Rory McIlroy, F1 driver Lando Norris, Red Roses talisman Ellie Kildunne, and darts sensation Luke Littler. Though it is unusual to see two teammates up against each other for the main award, and Kelly would love to follow in the footsteps of Beth Mead and Mary Earps by winning, she is clear that there's no sense of competition. "It's actually not something we've spoken about," she explained. "Obviously, Hannah was injured on the last England camp, so we weren't able to speak. "I think it's amazing that we're both nominated. As a Lioness, this is a proud moment; we're also in for Team of the Year as well. "As a Lioness, you're proud to represent your country, and you just give your all for the team to be successful, ultimately. And she had an incredible summer, as we did as a group, and contributed to such success, as did Michelle Agyemang, and she's obviously nominated for an award as well, so I think it shows the success of the Lionesses. "But, yeah, I wouldn't say competition. I think it's celebrating. I enjoy celebrating other people's success, so I'll be buzzing for every winner." She added: "No matter the winners, it's the night to celebrate sport." The importance of celebrating is not lost on Kelly, who has become known for her iconic celebrations in a Lionesses shirt – particularly her homages to Brandi Chastain at Euro 2021 and Thierry Henry this summer. "I enjoy celebrating on the pitch," she admitted. "Back when I was at Manchester City, me and Bunny Shaw would always dance and enjoy that moment. "We are in a place that we are grateful to be, and celebrating success like this was a dream for me growing up as a kid, to be in the position that I'm in, so enjoy it like you're living your dream. "The celebrations, I didn't plan any of them, but I always said if I score at the Emirates, I'm going to do the Thierry Henry celebration. "I didn't score at the Emirates, so I took it into the Euros and that goal (against Italy) meant so much to me, so I did the Thierry Henry celebration." Few players have been shaped by their experiences quite like Kelly. The grit and swagger with which she plays her football can be traced all the way back to the cages of the West London estate, cages that now bear a plaque in her honour, where she grew up playing with her brothers and their friends. But it is the difficulties that she's faced that have helped her become the calm and confident character who remained ice cool to help deliver England's summer Euros triumph. She said: "The setbacks in my career allow me to be confident because I'm like, what's worse than them? "I trained for this moment and it can't get worse than the situation of my ACL or how I was feeling in January. So actually, let's take this moment with both hands and enjoy it. "I don't really take the big moments in as they're happening. I'm just like, focused, and I'm ready to take it, and then after, I'm like, wow, that was special. "But I think I'm just focused on the job at hand and being able to be the best version of myself. Whether that's when I put the Arsenal shirt on or put the England shirt on, I just try to be the best version of myself and give my all for the team, because, actually, that was my dream to play football." The journey that Kelly has been on and what she has achieved in 2025 is remarkable, but the Arsenal and England star ends the year hungrier than ever for more success with her teammates. "I want to win everything and anything it's possible for me to win," she said. "The WSL, I haven't won yet, but I want to win everything that I've won already, the Conti Cup, the FA Cup. "I'm excited to win, I'm hungry to win. I think as an athlete, as a footballer, as soon as the Euros were finished, I'm like, 'Right. Well, what can we go for next?' "And that excitement fills me up every day, whether that's on the training pitch or whether that's in the gym. It makes me really excited, anything possible that I can win with my teams. "I set goals on that because it feels so good and you're as hungry as ever, it seems, if not more. The taste of success is so sweet, and that makes me hungry for more. I think having that mindset, I just want to win. My mum always said I was a bad loser, so maybe that's why." Sports Personality of the Year 2025 is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm on Thursday 18th December. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
"I thought it was spam" - Ellie Kildunne on BBC SPOTY nomination as she aims to become second ever rugby union player to win award
The Red Roses star is on the six-strong shortlist for Thursday evening's big award...
England star Ellie Kildunne is aiming to become the first female rugby union player to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year at Thursday's awards, and just her sport's second winner ever after Jonny Wilkinson in 2003. For her, the nomination alone is enough. She believes it serves as more proof that the critics of women's rugby are wrong, and it offers another platform to grow the game. Kildunne was the Red Roses' talisman as they won the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil and has been nominated as part of SPOTY's six-strong shortlist, which also includes golfer Rory McIlroy, Lionesses duo Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, darts prodigy Luke Littler, and F1 world champion Lando Norris. The summer tournament was a landmark moment for women's rugby in this country. England delivered on their favourites tag to banish the demons of their 2022 final defeat and win on home soil, while the record-breaking attendance and viewership figures showed. Kildunne believes that her SPOTY nomination goes further to hammer that final point home. Quizzed on the potential impact of winning on Thursday evening, she said: "It's huge, but you know, the opportunity for me is the fact that I'm nominated in the first place, the first female rugby player ever. "Jonny winning it back in 2003 was huge but you don't know if you're going to win it or not. It's big enough anyway, being nominated and to be in a space where, for years, we've been told that no one's going to watch it and no one's bothered about women playing rugby, to now standing up and saying, well, actually, I've got a nomination for something as big as SPOTY. "It's something that I'm hugely proud of and it puts women's rugby on a platform. You talk about the World Cup, and that's a platform, but this creates another platform for people to watch it on the night and see that we are serious about what we do, that we are great athletes, and we succeed." The Red Roses have been shortlisted alongside the Lionesses and Ryder Cup Team Europe for the Team of the Year Award, and Kildunne is clear that the whole England team deserve the credit for her SPOTY nomination as well. She said: "We don't know who's won but being nominated is such a huge moment for me, personally, for my family, but also for women's rugby, and that is all I can ask for. "It would be pretty cool to obviously say that I won, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what medals or trophies you get; it's about the people and the journey that you've all been on. "I wouldn't be able to score the tries that I score if it wasn't for my teammates doing the hard graft in the middle, taking the tackles and turning defences inside out and releasing those perfect passes to me. "I'm fully aware that it is a team sport, and I wouldn't be in the position that I'm in with the nomination if it wasn't for the girls around me." It is perhaps no surprise then that it has been the reaction of her Red Roses teammates that have meant the most. Kildunne originally thought her agent was having her on when she received a text from him on the train back from London. "I didn't believe it," she said. "I thought it was spam. I thought it was pulling my leg, if I'm honest, because that's not something you can imagine. It's something that you can dream." She kept tight-lipped, other than telling her parents, and it was the England media team that informed the rest of the squad. "The thing for me that I found so special is the messages that I did get from my teammates," Kildunne explained. "They see me all the time so it's not that they don't have to say anything, it's more that they know that I know that I'll appreciate that they think it's cool. But some of the messages that I've got. I actually said to Hannah Botterman, who sent me a voice note, I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me." She added: "It was really heartwarming to feel the love from my teammates, and the fact that they'd all drop me a little message or put it on their Instagram made me feel really supported and it made it very special." Sports Personality of the Year 2025 is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm on Thursday 18th December. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Sarah Storey addresses possibility of return to Dancing on Ice after injury
The legendary Paralympian left the 2025 season after a nasty fall on the ice.
Dame Sarah Storey has addressed whether she could have another go at ITV competition Dancing on Ice, after having to pull out of the upcoming 2025 season due to injury. The Paralympic star, best known for competing in swimming and cycling events, suffered a fracture to her left ankle after a fall on the ice during training, which left her with no choice but to withdraw from the competition. She is currently "concentrating" on rehabilitative treatment to get her back into fighting form for future events, acknowledging in an interview with RadioTimes.com for the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year that it's a different injury than she's used to. On her initial decision to join the show, Storey said: "One of the things that was really exciting about trying a new sport, which is the first time I've tried anything new since I tried cycling, was that while I'm fully aware I'll never get to become a figure skater, the processes of learning from Olympians and professionals is just incredible. "You follow different processes, you use your strategic brain from your own sport, bring in their processes and get to learn new things about your body. For me, that was one of the reasons for accepting to do the show." She continued: "I wanted to experience how another sport trained, a very different sport, very technical, quite dangerous, but also learn those skills, see what processes were similar, and find out how the change in training... what that would tell me about my body from a strength and conditioning point of view, but also from a mobility perspective." Storey reiterated that she had been "thoroughly enjoying the process" prior to the unfortunate accident taking place, but remained non-committal about whether she would sign up again as her top priority has to be recovery for now. "It was fascinating... but now I have to rehab a very different type of injury to one I've ever had before," she acknowledged. "The show runs through to March, and the longer you're in the show, the more training you do with that sport, and therefore the more opportunity there is to place those learnings within your own sphere and start to expand what you might do differently in cycling to make yourself better than you were the last time." Storey added: "This was the time to do it. As with all the reality TV shows, their enquiry is made, and this was the best time to do these types of things, because you have the most time before the next big event. So who knows? We'll find out in the future." The cyclist won her 19th Paralympic gold medal at the event in Paris over the summer, extending the record that she already held. In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Storey expressed her hope to compete in the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028. Tune into Sports Personality of the Year 2024 tonight to find out who will take the prestigious title, with Storey in consideration against fellow nominees Jude Bellingham, Keely Hodgkinson, Luke Littler, Joe Root, Dame Sarah Storey and Alex Yee. Sports Personality of the Year airs Tuesday 17th December at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year winners: Full list of SPOTY winners and multiple champions
Your complete round-up of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award winners throughout history.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award has enjoyed a long, rich history, with champions who transcend their sport and capture the imagination of the general public and sports fans alike. The first award was bestowed on athlete Christopher Chataway in 1954, after he received the lion's share of 14,500 votes cast by postcard. The original rules were first published in Radio Times magazine, with one of the conditions for entry being that contenders had to have featured on Sportsview since April that year. In modern times, any British sporting star is eligible to win the award, with an expert panel of judges assembled to whittle down the list to six contenders based on their calendar year achievements, magical moments and performances - but not, as many still believe, based on their actual personality. RadioTimes.com brings you a full round-up of BBC Sports Personality of the Year winners, including stars who have won the award more than once. BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award winners 2023 – Mary Earps 2022 – Beth Mead 2021 – Emma Raducanu 2020 – Sir Lewis Hamilton 2019 – Ben Stokes 2018 – Geraint Thomas 2017 – Sir Mo Farah 2016 – Sir Andy Murray 2015 – Sir Andy Murray 2014 – Sir Lewis Hamilton 2013 – Sir Andy Murray 2012 – Sir Bradley Wiggins 2011 – Mark Cavendish 2010 – Sir AP McCoy 2009 – Ryan Giggs 2008 – Sir Chris Hoy 2007 – Joe Calzaghe 2006 – Zara Phillips 2005 – Andrew Flintoff 2004 – Dame Kelly Holmes 2003 – Jonny Wilkinson 2002 – Paula Radcliffe 2001 – David Beckham 2000 – Sir Steve Redgrave 1999 – Lennox Lewis 1998 – Michael Owen 1997 – Greg Rusedski 1996 – Damon Hill 1995 – Jonathan Edwards 1994 – Damon Hill 1993 – Linford Christie 1992 – Nigel Mansell 1991 – Liz McColgan 1990 – Paul Gascoigne 1989 – Sir Nick Faldo 1988 – Steve Davis 1987 – Fatima Whitbread 1986 – Nigel Mansell 1985 – Barry McGuigan 1984 – Torvill and Dean 1983 – Steve Cram 1982 – Daley Thompson 1981 – Lord Botham 1980 – Robin Cousins 1979 – Lord Sebastian Coe 1978 – Steve Ovett 1977 – Virginia Wade 1976 – John Curry 1975 – David Steele 1974 – Sir Brendan Foster 1973 – Sir Jackie Stewart 1972 – Dame Mary Peters 1971 – HRH Princess Anne 1970 – Sir Henry Cooper 1969 – Ann Jones 1968 – David Hemery 1967 – Sir Henry Cooper 1966 – Bobby Moore 1965 – Tommy Simpson 1964 – Mary Rand 1963 – Dorothy Hyman 1962 – Anita Lonsbrough 1961 – Sir Stirling Moss 1960 – David Broome 1959 – John Surtees 1958 – Ian Black 1957 – Dai Rees 1956 – Jim Laker 1955 – Gordon Pirie 1954 – Sir Chris Chataway BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award multiple winners Andy Murray – 3 (2013, 2015, 2016) Lewis Hamilton – 2 (2014, 2020) Nigel Mansell – 2 (1986, 1992) Henry Cooper – 2 (1967, 1970) Damon Hill – 2 (1994, 1996) Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 on TV: Channel and live stream
Check out all the details on how to watch BBC Sports Personality of the Year on TV and live stream this year.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award has arrived, with six contenders vying for the iconic gong. The traditional end-of-year ceremony will take place at MediaCity in Salford, with a glitzy bash in store for sporting royalty in attendance. England Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps, England Test cricket bowler Stuart Broad and Heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson are among the favourites to clinch the award from the six-strong shortlist. Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori and Alfie Hewett round off the shortlist, with plenty of interest in each star and a less clear favourite than in previous years. RadioTimes.com brings you all the details for how to watch the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 ceremony. When is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023? The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 19th December 2022. How to watch BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 on TV BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 will air live on BBC One from 7pm. Coverage will last approximately two hours and conclude around 9pm. Watch BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 live stream BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 will also be shown live on BBC iPlayer at the same time as BBC One coverage. You can tune in from a range of devices including smartphones and tablets. Who will present BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023? The evening will be hosted by BBC presenters Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott – the usual line-up for a big night of sporting celebrations. If you're looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist 2023: Full list of SPOTY contenders
Your complete round-up of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award shortlist, including six contenders vying for the top prize.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award shortlist has been revealed with a stellar cast of sporting superstars in contention for the top honour. Mary Earps, Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson are among the final six names who can win the hallowed award. Last year saw Beth Mead sail to victory to commemorate England's Lionesses roaring to victory at Euro 2022, while England Test captain Ben Stokes and curling star Eve Muirhead came second and third respectively. In 2021, Emma Raducanu became the first woman to win the award since Zara Phillips in 2006. Earps is the hot favourite to claim the award in 2023 to make it a hat-trick of female sport stars recognised at the top level. RadioTimes.com brings you a full round-up of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist. Who is on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist? Alfie Hewett Wheelchair tennis Hewett won seven singles tournaments on the tour this season, including huge victories in the Australian Open and US Open. He came close to securing the title at Wimbledon, but still ended 2023 on top of the world. Hewett is ranked world No.1 and is expected to dominate once again in 2024. Frankie Dettori Horse racing: Jockey Dettori has continued to draw in the crowds, delight the punters and storm home to numerous victories in the saddle this year, including two Classics and the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. He announced his retirement from the sport in December 2022, but returned to the circuit almost immediately. He finally ran his final race on British soil in October 2023 onboard King Of Steel. And won. Katarina Johnson-Thompson Athletes: Heptathlon Johnson-Thompson has been plagued with injuries for several years as she suffered an Achilles tear in December 2020 followed by a calf injury that saw her withdraw from proceedings at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Few expected her to make the comeback she did. KJT stole the show at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest earlier this year as she clinched gold in the Heptathlon. Mary Earps Football: England Women's goalkeeper Manchester United goalkeeper Earps was a star performer for England at the 2023 Women's World Cup. The 30-year-old saved a penalty in the final, though she couldn't prevent the Lionesses succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Spain. Rory McIlroy Golf McIlroy enjoyed a stellar 2023 season, culminating in a fifth Ryder Cup title to his name. He was the top points scorer across both USA and Europe with four victories from five matches in Rome. On an individual level, McIlroy clinched 13 top-10 finishes in 18 events, including three of the majors. Stuart Broad Cricket: England Men's Test bowler Broad retired from cricket following this summer's Ashes contest between England and Australia, calling time on a 16-year Test career with 167 matches and 604 wickets to his name. The 37-year-old took 22 wickets after featuring in all five Test matches – second only to Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc – as England drew the series 2-2 on home soil. If you're looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023? SPOTY date, time, how to watch
Your complete guide to when BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 will go ahead, as well as the location for this year's ceremony.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony is fast approaching, as the biggest names in the industry gather to celebrate the best and brightest of British sport. 2023 has offered mixed fortunes for sports stars across the land, with England's Lionesses coming unstuck in the Women's World Cup final. And the England Men's Test cricket team were only able to claim a valiant draw in The Ashes, held back from glory by a Mancunian rain cloud (we're still not over it). Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps, England bowler Stuart Broad and heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson are the top three contenders, with a host of other awards to be distributed on the night. RadioTimes.com brings you the date for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 ceremony, as well as the location for this year's star-studded event. When is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023? The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 19th December 2022. How to watch BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 on TV BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 will air live on BBC One from 7pm. The evening will be hosted by BBC presenters Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, with coverage scheduled to last until 9pm (although don't be surprised if it ends up running over a little). Where is BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 held? The show will be held at MediaCity in Salford – home of the BBC – with a glitzy ceremony in store with something for everyone to enjoy on the night. If you're looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Alun Wyn Jones? Meet Wales rugby legend and BBC SPOTY nominee - and how to vote
The rugby legend has already been crowned the champion of Wales – we round up why he has been included in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award shortlist
Alun Wyn Jones is representing Wales in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist after a tremendous year for the legendary leader. RadioTimes.com has rounded up his top achievements in 2019 plus full information on how to vote for him. Why has Alun Wyn Jones been nominated in 2019? The Wales' Rugby Union team's fearless captain has enjoyed a terrific 2019. First off, he lifted the Six Nations trophy following a Grand Slam victory, including a gutsy win over favourites England. Wyn Jones then led his side into battle for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Wales were defeated in the semi-finals, but it was the joint-furthest stage they have reached in the competition. The 34-year-old has already won the Welsh version of BBC SPOTY, now he will have his eyes set on the main prize. How to vote for Alun Wyn Jones in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Voting for the Sports Personality Award does not open to the public until the programme airs on the BBC on Sunday 15th December. The public will then be able to vote online or over the phone, with full details to be announced during the show. A number will be revealed on the show for phone votes, but text voting will not be available. Voting is only available during the show so get in quick - there will be under two hours for you to have your say. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominees Click for a full profile of each BBC SPOTY star Alun Wyn Jones Ben Stokes Dina Asher-Smith Katarina Johnson-Thompson Lewis Hamilton Raheem Sterling Full TV guide to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
Who is Ben Stokes? Meet England cricket star and BBC SPOTY nominee - and how to vote
The cricketer is aiming to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year this weekend – we round up everything you need to know about the England cricket star's terrific 2019
Ben Stokes is the hot favourite to claim the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 award this Sunday. RadioTimes.com has rounded up his top achievements in 2019 plus full information on how to vote for him. Why has Ben Stokes been nominated in 2019? It was a busy old summer for England all-round cricket superstar Stokes. His gutsy displays during the 2019 Cricket World Cup set up a terrific finale with New Zealand, where he took part in the famed super over to claim the trophy. Arguably Stokes' greatest achievement of the year was yet to come. He produced a stunning 135 (not out) during the Third Test in the 2019 Ashes series to beat Australia by a single wicket – one of the all-time greatest innings by an England batsman. The 28-year-old is top of the ICC's ODI all-rounder rankings, and sits third in the list of Test all-rounders to see out 2019. How to vote for Ben Stokes in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Voting for the Sports Personality Award does not open to the public until the programme airs on the BBC on Sunday 15th December. The public will then be able to vote online or over the phone, with full details to be announced during the show. A number will be revealed on the show for phone votes, but text voting will not be available. Voting is only available during the show so get in quick - there will be under two hours for you to have your say. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominees Click for a full profile of each BBC SPOTY star Alun Wyn Jones Ben Stokes Dina Asher-Smith Katarina Johnson-Thompson Lewis Hamilton Raheem Sterling Full TV guide to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
Who is Dina Asher-Smith? Meet sprinting sensation and BBC SPOTY nominee - and how to vote
Dina Asher-Smith is gunning to seize the BBC Sports Personality of the Year crown – we bring you her biggest achievements of 2019
Dina Asher-Smith is ranked among the favourites to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 following a terrific year on the track. RadioTimes.com has rounded up her top achievements in 2019 plus full information on how to vote for her. Why is Dina Asher-Smith nominated in 2019? Asher-Smith lit up the track at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha. She won gold in the Women's 200m, tearing up the field with a British national record time of 21.88. She produced another national record of 10.83 in the Women's 100m final as she won silver, behind the legendary Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. To cap off her tournament, she also landed silver in the Women's 4x100m relay narrowly behind the Jamaican team. How to vote for Dina Asher-Smith in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Voting for the Sports Personality Award does not open to the public until the programme airs on the BBC on Sunday 15th December. The public will then be able to vote online or over the phone, with full details to be announced during the show. A number will be revealed on the show for phone votes, but text voting will not be available. Voting is only available during the show so get in quick - there will be under two hours for you to have your say. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominees Click for a full profile of each BBC SPOTY star Alun Wyn Jones Ben Stokes Dina Asher-Smith Katarina Johnson-Thompson Lewis Hamilton Raheem Sterling Full TV guide to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
Who is Raheem Sterling? Meet Man City footballer and BBC SPOTY nominee - and how to vote
Raheem Sterling has made the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year – we round up the Manchester City footballer's top achievements of 2019
Raheem Sterling has earned a place on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominee list following a year of staggering form for club and country. RadioTimes.com has rounded up his top achievements in 2019 plus full information on how to vote for him. Why is Raheem Sterling nominated in 2019? Sterling has enjoyed incredible success on both a team and personal level in 2019 with Manchester City and England. He was a key cog in guiding City to the domestic treble – Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup – and was in turn named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. The 25-year-old racked up 25 goals and 18 assists in all competitions last season – comfortably his best season in terms of sheer output. After struggling at the start of his England career, he stepped up to play a strong part in England's Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with eight goals and seven assists. Away from the field, Sterling has been widely praised for his public fight to kick racism out of football. How to vote for Raheem Sterling in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Voting for the Sports Personality Award does not open to the public until the programme airs on the BBC on Sunday 15th December. The public will then be able to vote online or over the phone, with full details to be announced during the show. A number will be revealed on the show for phone votes, but text voting will not be available. Voting is only available during the show so get in quick - there will be under two hours for you to have your say. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominees Click for a full profile of each BBC SPOTY star Alun Wyn Jones Ben Stokes Dina Asher-Smith Katarina Johnson-Thompson Lewis Hamilton Raheem Sterling Full TV guide to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
Who is Lewis Hamilton? Meet Formula 1 champion and BBC SPOTY nominee - and how to vote
Lewis Hamilton is once again nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year – we round up the facts and figures behind his excellent 2019
Lewis Hamilton has driven himself into the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 shortlist and will be aiming for the crown this Sunday. RadioTimes.com has rounded up his top achievements in 2019 plus full information on how to vote for him. Why is Lewis Hamilton nominated in 2019? Hamilton won his sixth Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship title to cap off the 2019 season. He won more than half of the races in the season – 11 out of 21 in total – including the British Grand Prix. The 34-year-old has now won 84 Grand Prix titles, second only to the legendary Michael Schumacher who racked up 91. Hamilton is now also just one world title away from levelling Schumacher's incredible total of seven, and is well-placed to do so with Mercedes next season. How to vote for Lewis Hamilton in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Voting for the Sports Personality Award does not open to the public until the programme airs on the BBC on Sunday 15th December. The public will then be able to vote online or over the phone, with full details to be announced during the show. A number will be revealed on the show for phone votes, but text voting will not be available. Voting is only available during the show so get in quick - there will be under two hours for you to have your say. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominees Click for a full profile of each BBC SPOTY star Alun Wyn Jones Ben Stokes Dina Asher-Smith Katarina Johnson-Thompson Lewis Hamilton Raheem Sterling Full TV guide to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
Who is Katarina Johnson-Thompson? Meet heptathlon hero and BBC SPOTY nominee - and how to vote
The heptathlete is in the mix to win BBC Sports Personality – but why could the athletic superstar walk away with the grand prize?
Katarina Johnson-Thompson has enjoyed remarkable success in 2019 and has been rewarded with a nomination for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. RadioTimes.com has rounded up her top achievements in 2019 plus full information on how to vote for her. Why is Katarina Johnson-Thompson nominated in 2019? Johnson-Thompson won gold in the heptathlon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha. She was the outsider to claim gold, but produced a scintillating display to oust 2017 world champion Nafissatou Thiam against the odds to seize the crown. The Liverpool-born star set four personal bests in the javelin, 100m hurdles, shot put and 800m as she broke Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill's British points record with a huge haul of 6,981. Johnson-Thompson's points total has placed her sixth in the all-time top list of heptathlon results. How to vote for Katarina Johnson-Thompson in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Voting for the Sports Personality Award does not open to the public until the programme airs on the BBC on Sunday 15th December. The public will then be able to vote online or over the phone, with full details to be announced during the show. A number will be revealed on the show for phone votes, but text voting will not be available. Voting is only available during the show so get in quick - there will be under two hours for you to have your say. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominees Click for a full profile of each BBC SPOTY star Alun Wyn Jones Ben Stokes Dina Asher-Smith Katarina Johnson-Thompson Lewis Hamilton Raheem Sterling Full TV guide to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
What time is Sports Personality of the Year 2019 on TV?
Sports Personality of the Year will be one of the biggest sporting award ceremonies of 2019 – who will win?
Sports Personality of the Year has arrived with Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan and Clare Balding set to present the 2019 edition celebrating all forms of British and global sport. LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FOOTBALL TIMES PODCAST: Apple / Spotify Viewers will be in charge of who lifts the biggest prizes on the night, and we've got you covered with how to go about choosing your favourite sports stars. RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019. When is Sports Personality of the Year 2019? BBC Sports Personality of the Year takes place at 7:00pm on Sunday 15th December 2019. Where is Sports Personality of the Year 2019? The event will be held at P&J Live, a brand new 10,000-capacity arena in Aberdeen, Scotland. How to watch Sports Personality of the Year 2019? Fans can tune in to watch the ceremony on BBC1 from 7:00pm. You can also live stream the event via BBC iPlayer on a range of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets. Sports Personality of the Year 2019 shortlist Click for a full profile of each BBC SPOTY star Alun Wyn Jones Ben Stokes Dina Asher-Smith Katarina Johnson-Thompson Lewis Hamilton Raheem Sterling How to vote for Sports Personality of the Year 2019? Details are yet to be confirmed, but the ceremony is expected to follow the same pattern as the 2018 format. Viewers can vote online or by phone when voting opens on the night. The vote will only be open during the Sports Personality broadcast itself, and the numbers will not be revealed before the night. Once voting opens, the easiest way to pick your favourite is to go to the Sports Personality website. You will also be able to vote by phone. No text voting will be available on the night. We'll bring you all the latest details when they are confirmed. Sports Personality of the Year 2019 categories Sports Personality of the Year Greatest Sporting Moment World Sport Star of the Year Helen Rollason award Young Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Coach of the Year Team of the Year Lifetime Achievement award Who won Sports Personality of the Year 2018? Geraint Thomas won Sports Personality of the Year 2018 following his immense victory in the Tour de France.
Darren Gough tips Ben Stokes for BBC Sports Personality of the Year... but Lewis Hamilton for knighthood!
Darren Gough has praised BBC SPOTY favourite Ben Stokes and one of his main competitors ahead of the awards ceremony
Darren Gough has tipped Ben Stokes to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year following his terrific displays for the England cricket team in 2019. The iconic fast bowler backed Stokes to lift the prestigious award, despite also rooting for Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, who Gough believes should be knighted. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 nominees How to watch BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 Stokes was a key player in the England's Cricket World Cup-winning ODI side, and produced one of the all-time great innings against Australia in Third Test of the Ashes series at Headingley. Gough will be following Stokes over the next few weeks as he fronts talkSPORT's exclusive live radio coverage of England's winter tour in South Africa. He said: "If you look at the history of it, during an Ashes year is a cricketer's best chance of winning Sports Personality of the Year. "With Ben Stokes, it's not just an Ashes year, it's the World Cup as well, and he was a big part of that. "After the personal troubles he went through, he turned it around to get the public back onside with some unbelievable cricket he played in the World Cup. "When England needed someone to stand up, he was the man who stood up and did it in that World Cup final, and then he went back out and did it in the super over. "And then he did it again in the Ashes. We didn't win the series, but that innings at Headingley alone... He was two from 50 balls and finished with 135 not out [after 219 balls]. "It was 76, the last wicket partnership, and Jack Leach got one run." Stokes' is the clear favourite to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 at the glitzy ceremony on Sunday evening, but Gough was quick to praise one of his top competitors on the shortlist. He said: "To be fair, there's been some fantastic things. "I'm a massive F1 fan and Lewis Hamilton doesn't get the credit I think he deserves. "He should have a knighthood by now. "Six world titles, 83 Grand Prix wins but he's just got caught in a year where Ben Stokes has been out of this world."
Darren Clarke on golf, partying and life after Heather's death
Golf's Open champion, a 2011 Sports Personality of the Year candidate, talks to Lawrence Donegan
There’s the Darren Clarke of reputation and there’s another Darren Clarke. A party-loving Northern Irishman who happens to be a professional golfer, and a professional golfer from Northern Ireland who happens to like a party. An uncomplicated Everyman who goes with the flow, and a tortured soul whose endless striving keeps him awake at night. They say you can’t hide your real self for ever and in Clarke’s case the truth revealed itself over four windswept days this summer at Royal St George’s, at Sandwich in Kent, when the veteran golfer from Portrush outplayed the best in the world to win the Open Championship. Famously, he followed his victory with the celebration to end all celebrations, turning up for a press conference the next day without having slept. Yet in any sport, you never win the big one if you aren’t serious about your craft. “People like to say I’m out drinking all the time, but that’s just not the case,” he says. “Take last week. I was down at Royal Portrush golf club nine hours every day,working and working. I haven’t played very well since the Open and it’s been driving me crazy. “I’ve always been like that, and the people who know me best will tell you I’ve been even worse lately. I feel I need to validate what I did in the summer. I feel I need to win something.” That hunger may be met at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, where he’s one of the favourites. “I grew up watching the show, so of course I’d be delighted if I won, but there are some great candidates – Mo Farah, Rory McIlroy and Mark Cavendish are all really strong.” He’s right. But they don’t have what Clarke has – a genuine connection with the man and woman in the street, the feeling that for all his sporting gifts, he is simply one of them. Darren Clarke has won 22 golf tournaments around the world. He has contended in majors, beaten Tiger Woods in his prime and played in five Ryder Cups. But to the wider public he will always be remembered and admired for the way he responded to the death of his wife, Heather, from breast cancer, in August 2006. He was 37 at the time, with two young sons, Tyrone and Conor, and a career some believed might be over. Six weeks later he was back on the golf course, playing a pivotal role in a comprehensive victory over the US in the Ryder Cup in Ireland. The sight of him in tears, falling into the arms of Europe captain Ian Woosnam, remains one of the defining sporting images of the decade. Five years later, Clarke, 43, has returned home to Portrush and is engaged to Alison Campbell, a former Miss Northern Ireland who runs a modelling agency. His life has moved on, even if it keeps pulling him back to the past. “I get asked all the time about Heather, and I’m a bit reluctant to go there. I don’t want people to think I’m looking for sympathy,’’ he says. Spend any time in Clarke’s company, though, and it becomes apparent that Heather’s death has shaped the man he is today. “I used to be one of those guys who was travelling the world, playing golf, doing great and being a bit flash. And I probably wasn’t as good as I should have been,’’ he says, pausing to reflect. “There was nothing positive about what happened to Heather, but it did mean I got so much closer – unbelievably closer – to my boys. I could have fallen into a downward spiral of self-pity, but there comes a time when you have to stand up and be counted, and that’s what I did. For myself and for the boys.” They moved back to Northern Ireland in summer 2010. Life in London had been lived behind high walls and electric gates. Clarke was back on tour and travelling a lot; even when home he barely saw Tyrone and Conor. “It was ten minutes in the morning and ten in the evening, and that wasn’t acceptable any longer.” The move couldn’t have gone better. When Clarke’s on the road, the boys stay with his sister and family, who live nearby. When he’s home, he has time to be a dad. “During the summer I take them down to Royal Portrush golf club at 9am and pick them up at 8pm. That’s what I used to do when I was a kid,’’ he says. “I don’t want to sound too corny, but it’s one big happy family.” He has returned to the circle of friends he had before. “There are four or five of us. We meet up for a game of social golf, have a pint. There are a couple of local pubs where I have a bit of craic. That’s something I didn’t have in England.” The effects are obvious. He has, he admits, occasionally been “headstrong and arrogant”. These days he isn’t a pussycat, but he has mellowed. “I definitely feel I’m a better person to be around. Materially, there aren’t many things I want because I’ve been foolish enough to have had them all in the past. I have a much simpler way of life and it’s made a huge difference.” It’s a familiar story. You can take the boy out of Portrush… Darren Clarke is happy and he’s Open champion. But most of all, he’s home. BBC Sports Personality of the Year is on Thursday 22 December at 8pm on BBC1