The glittering world of sport and showbiz converged on MediaCity in Salford on Thursday evening, 18 December 2025, for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. A host of famous faces braved the winter chill to walk the red carpet, turning the event into a spectacle of glamour and celebration.
Golf's Grand Slam Hero Leads the Contenders
All eyes were on the shortlist for the main award, with Rory McIlroy emerging as the overwhelming favourite. The Northern Irish golfing sensation is tipped to claim the trophy for the first time, following a historic year where he finally secured the Masters title. This victory made him the first European player ever to complete golf's coveted career Grand Slam.
McIlroy didn't stop there; he carried that stellar form into the Ryder Cup, playing a pivotal role in Team Europe's victory on American soil. His dual success has positioned him as the standout candidate for the nation's top sporting honour.
Showbiz Glamour Meets Sporting Excellence
The red carpet was awash with celebrities from popular television shows, blending entertainment with athletic achievement. Stars from the rebooted Gladiators and the latest series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! were among the attendees, adding a dose of prime-time glamour to the proceedings.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey from Gladiators showcased his formidable physique, while the reigning King of the Jungle, AngryGinge, was in high spirits, reportedly there to support his good friend and fellow nominee, darts prodigy Luke Littler.
Hosting duties for the ceremony itself were in the capable hands of BBC stalwarts Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott. Scott arrived on the red carpet accompanied by her partner, singer Jess Glynne.
A Night Honouring Legends and Rising Stars
The awards celebrated a broad spectrum of sporting talent. Alongside McIlroy and Littler, Ellie Kildunne earned her place on the shortlist after thrilling the nation with her performances in England's Women's Rugby World Cup triumph.
The evening also paid tribute to legendary figures, with French football icon Thierry Henry receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ice dancing royalty Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean swapped their skates for formal wear, and Brighton and Hove Albion footballer Michelle Agyemang beamed for the cameras.
From the dinner gowns and tuxedos to the palpable anticipation for the main award, the 2025 SPOTY ceremony in Salford successfully captured the drama, achievement, and star power of another remarkable year in British sport.
