It’s a show designed to celebrate the year’s greatest sporting triumphs.
But this year the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year has sparked backlash following an unusual sign-off by presenter Gabby Logan.
Instead of wishing viewers a traditional ‘Merry Christmas,’ the 51-year-old opted for a more neutral ‘happy festive season,’ which has stoked yet more accusations that the Corporation has gone woke and that Christmas is ‘banned’ on the BBC.
Some viewers were quick to lash out online after the awards on Tuesday evening, accusing the BBC of being ‘afraid’ of acknowledging Christmas.
One online critic said: ‘What is wrong with saying Christmas? Or is this word banned in case someone is offended?’
Another said: ‘Sports personality evening marred by Gabby Logan wishing us all a very happy festive season, have we become afraid of saying Christmas?’
It comes as the show was also slammed by viewers for its ‘woke’ all-female presenting lineup this year.
Ms Logan was joined by Clare Balding, 53, and Alex Scott, 40, to host the ceremony which honoured sports stars for their outstanding achievements.
This year the BBC ’s Sports Personality of the Year has sparked backlash following an unusual sign-off by presenter Gabby Logan
Gabby Logan was joined by Clare Balding, 53, and Alex Scott, 40, to host the ceremony which honoured sports stars for their outstanding achievements (L to R Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Alex Scott)
But despite their extensive broadcasting and sports experience across gymnastics, football, swimming, rugby, and horse racing, some viewers were left frustrated by the absence of a single male presenter.
Complaints flooded online within minutes of the female trio welcoming the audience, with some viewers so appalled by the presenting lineup that they even threatened to ‘switch off’.
One viewer complained: ‘Nice bit of diverse and equal choice of presenters by the @BBCSport for #SPOTY. Not a male in sight. And they wonder why almost a million viewers have cancelled their TV licences.’
Another said: ‘#SPOTY no male presenters? What happened to the politically correct inclusively. Guess it only works one way’.
This year, Keely Hodgkinson was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year by the public following a phenomenal year on the track.
Instead of wishing viewers a traditional ‘Merry Christmas ,’ Gabby Logan (pictured) opted for a more neutral ‘happy festive season’
The Olympic champion, 22, became the fourth consecutive female winner after Emma Raducanu, Beth Mead, and Mary Earps in recent years.
She went home with the top award after winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics earlier this year.
The 22-year-old not only brought home several medals, but also became the sixth fastest woman in history as she set a new 800m British record of one minute and 54.61 seconds.
After being presented the award by former winners Sir Chris Hoy and Mary Earps, the Olympian confessed she was in a ‘little bit of shock.’
‘I am so grateful to be in this position. I wish you all a wonderful evening, thank you so much,’ she added.
But some viewers were even sceptical about the result, with one taking to X to accuse the BBC of turning ‘a once, not to be missed, sports review show into a second rate, don’t even know it’s on, woke fest of diversity, and female bias.’
Another wrote: ‘I admire Keely Hodgkinson BUT surely @LukeTheNuke180 deserved to win more than her.
‘He has revolutionised Darts and made the sport more popular than ever. Can’t help but feel there was element of woke snobbery in this result.’
The sportswoman beat out superstar darts player Luke Littler, triathlete Alex Yee, footballer Jude Bellingham, and cricketer Joe Root for the historic title.
