Lewis Hamilton favourite to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year

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Lewis Hamilton is the odds-on favourite to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year as tonight’s ceremony gets underway – with performances coming up from Celeste and Rick Astley.

Captain Tom Moore introduced tonight’s ceremony on BBC One before Celeste opened the night’s entertainment.

Celebrities and sports personalities including Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson were pictured arriving at the socially-distanced awards night in Salford, Greater Manchester.

After winning his seventh Formula 1 world championship, Lewis Hamilton is favourite to win Sports Personality of the Year.

Others in contention include boxer Tyson Fury, cricketer Stuart Broad and jockey Holley Doyle. Snooker ace Ronnie O’Sullivan and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson complete this year’s line-up. 

Tyson Fury failed to appear on the show after demanding he be removed from this year’s list, saying he was the ‘people’s champion’.

Gabby Logan told viewers: ‘As you may have heard, Tyson has asked that people do not vote for him. 

‘He’s decided not to engage with the show or accept any award and that is Tyson’s choice.’

Gary Lineker said Fury was chosen as a finalist ‘on the strength of his sporting achievements in 2020’.

Lewis Hamilton took an opportunity during his interview to discuss racial inequality within Formula 1. 

‘It’s never been a diverse sport and I think this year you’ve seen so many inspirational individuals, congratulations to Marcus (Rashford). There’s so many people doing great things out there

‘I think in our sport, it shouldn’t matter where you come from. We’ve really got to fight for gender equality, it shouldn’t matter where your socio-economic background is or your religion and so I think we’ve got to work together collectively.

‘There are so many great jobs within this industry and it’s not about seeing the next me coming through, it’s about creating equal opportunities and making sure its reflective of the outside world.’

Hamilton was speaking after Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was presented a special award for his campaigning this year to help hungry children from poor backgrounds receive free school meals.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson took the opportunity to praise Rashford’s efforts while speaking to Gabby and Gary. 

He said: ‘To use your platform to help for the better is really important, Marcus Rashford’s a perfect example I think what he’s doing is incredible. The more people like him the better.’ 

Rashford told presenters tonight: ‘I’ve always had this thing that eats at me saying “make sure you make a difference for the next generation” and I think as a country we should always protect them as much as we can and give them the best chance in life to become whatever it is they want to become.’

After introducing this year’s ceremony, Captain Tom Moore, 100, who raised millions for the NHS in the early months of the pandemic has given his name to a new prize.

The Captain Tom: Young Unsung Hero award saw the Second World War veteran honour a youngster for their contribution to the community. 

Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill handed the award to nine-year-old Tobias Weller, who has cerebral palsy and autism, after he walked at least 50 metres every day on his street, raising more than £150,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Paces School 

Captain Tom told the youngster: ‘You’re a marvellous young man, this is a great honour that you’re getting and congratulations I’m absolutely thrilled.’ 

Tobias said it was ‘awesome,’ to meet Captain Tom, saying he was ‘inspirational’. 

Captain Tom was presented with the Helen Rollason award, which honours outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. 

Diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, 16, was presented with the Young Sports Personality of the Year award on Blue Peter 10 days ago.

Speaking at tonight’s ceremony, the youngster, who has dreams of competing at the Olympics for Team GB, said: ‘It’s so wonderful to think such amazing sporting legends have won it and I’m following in their footsteps.’ 

Voting for this year’s winner is set to open later tonight, with the ceremony lasting until 10pm.

This year’s ceremony is being presented in front of a virtual crowd, while Rick Astley and Celeste are set to perform. 

The World Sports Star of the Year has already been announced, with UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, receiving the title after retiring following an undefeated career. 

Former Arsenal and England right back Alex Scott presenting this year’s awards alongside Clare Balding, Gary Lineker and Gabby Logan