BBC’s downsized Spoty celebration fills space and reflects these odd times | Simon Burnton


The ceremony’s usual bombast was dialled down a little but odd moments were reassuringly present and correct

As the BBC’s small, Covid-friendly Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony drew to a predictable conclusion, Lewis Hamilton – appearing via video link from a position in front of a lavishly decorated Christmas tree in Monaco – held up the replica trophy he had been thoughtfully equipped with in case of victory and thanked the people of Britain for voting for him. “All the frontline workers, all the children of the world, please try to stay positive at this difficult time,” he said. “Please, everyone out there, go out and follow your dreams.”

Unless you’re in a tier 4 area, of course, in which case you should very much be looking to stay in and follow your dreams.

Related: Lewis Hamilton wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

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