What time does BBC Sports Personality of the Year start? BBC schedule
BBC Sports Personality of the Year is upon us - and the start time has been confirmed! 👀📺
- The BBC will be celebrating the last year in sport.
- Brits have been voting for some of the winners.
- But when can you tune in to the award ceremony?
After another phenomenal year of sporting drama and triumph, it is time to take a step back and celebrate the highest of highs.
The festive season is upon us and it wouldn’t be Christmas without the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. It is always a highlight of the December TV calendar.
But when can you tune in and what to expect from this year’s ceremony? Here’s all you need to know:
Who are the BBC Sports Personality of the Year presenters?
Once again a trio of hosts will be on presenting duties. It is the second year since Gary Lineker stepped down after decades as a host on the show.
Clare Balding, Alex Scott, and Gabby Logan will be the hosts for tonight’s (December 18) festivities. They were the presenters in 2024 as well.
Speaking about SPOTY, Clare Balding said: “I think the team result will be a big one this year as it's so competitive. It all builds up to the main individual award and as that's decided by the public on the night, it's always dramatic and exciting.”
Gabby Logan added: “I love the whole two days, meeting up with Clare and Alex at the beginning is always a joy and we always have a lot to catch up on. On the night though I always love the Helen Rollason Award and I love interviewing the nominees.”
Back from the jungle, Alex Scott said: “Sport always plays such a major role in connecting people; it’s a conversation starter, it’s a debate, it’s a passion shared, and this year has given us so many magic moments and yet again, created inspirational role models. It's incredible to see so many athletes becoming household names, and long may that continue.”
Who are the contenders for SPOTY 2025?
The shortlist was announced a few weeks ago and it includes quite the mix of stars. In alphabetical order:
- Hannah Hampton (Football)
- Chloe Kelly (Football)
- Ellie Kildunne (Rugby Union)
- Luke Littler (Darts)
- Rory McIlroy (Golf)
- Lando Norris (Formula 1)
Keighley’s own Ellie Kildunne is flying the flag for Yorkshire on the shortlist.
In a first for the show, the contenders will be dramatically narrowed down to a top three live on air, before the overall winner is crowned, making this year’s event an unmissable, high-stakes spectacle.
For the first time as well, the Team of the Year award is voted by the public. The teams up for it includes:
- England Women’s Football Team (Lionesses)
- England Women’s Rugby Union Team (Red Roses)
- European Ryder Cup Team
Public voting for this year’s Team of the Year is open online now via bbc.co.uk/spoty and will close during the live awards show tonight. The winning team will be crowned live on the night.
What time is BBC Sports Personality of the Year on?
The award ceremony is set to be live on BBC One and iPlayer this evening (December 18). It is set to start at 7pm and is due to run for around two hours, finishing at approximately 9pm.
Who do you think will win the big awards tonight? Let me know by email: [email protected].