SPOTY’s big revamp

THE BBC have shaken up the format of

Sports Personality of the Year after last year’s shambles, with the shortlist now being revealed on the night rather than weeks in advance. The contenders will be read out at the start of the programme in a bid to create a box-office moment. The shift comes after accusations that the vote is skewed by minor sports launching campaigns in the build-up to the event.

Last year, world superbike champion Jonathan Rea came second after a campaign by a PR firm, while bookies’ favourite Anthony Joshua did not make the top three. More chaos came when the live feed to Mo Farah cut out just as he was about to give his winner’s speech. This year’s shortlist will be cut to around six and kept secret until the ceremony on December 16.