Royal salute to courage of legend Doddie
But Lineker gives game away...
GARY Lineker scored something of an own goal last night – as he named Ben Stokes as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year before voting had even started.
The cricket star, 28, had been the hot favourite to win the coveted award after his World Cup final performance and extraordinary unbeaten 135 to win the third Ashes Test for England at Headingley earlier this year.
Lineker, 59, made the embarrassing slip-of-the-tongue early on in the BBC1 show after introducing Stokes on stage as the ‘main award winner’. He acknowledged the blunder shortly afterwards, saying: ‘That was my mistake – I hope I’ve not tempted fate.’
He later tweeted: ‘I wish I was that smart. I just f ***** up. The voting hadn’t even opened at that stage. Apologies.’
The ceremony was held in Aberdeen and featured a performance from local star Emeli Sandé. The 32-year-old, who was raised in Alford, Aberdeenshire, sang her hit Shine.
Stokes beat off competition from Team GB world gold medallists Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
Other contenders were Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, England footballer Raheem Sterling and Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones.
Taking to the stage after his triumph, Stokes said: ‘It’s an individual award but I play in a team sport and the best thing about that is that you get to share special moments with team-mates, backroom staff and management.
‘I’m here receiving this award not just by myself... Without the efforts that you put in over the summer, I wouldn’t be up here, so thank you so much to everyone.’
Stokes, who was cleared of affray in 2018 after a brawl near a nightclub, said: ‘Two years ago was a tough time for me and my life. I’ve had so many people help me through that.’
Miss Asher-Smith came third and Hamilton was the runnerup. Stokes, who guided England to victory against New Zealand in the World Cup final in July, last night called the match ‘the greatest game of cricket’ he has ever played.
The sports star had faced controversy earlier this year when pictures emerged which appeared to show him grabbing his wife’s face at an awards ceremony.
However, Clare laughed off the suggestions – insisting the couple’s antics were just their way of showing affection.
Miss Asher-Smith said earlier she was ‘still in shock’ over her success at the world championships in Doha.
She said: ‘It’s incredible to be nominated. It feels absolutely fantastic. I’m a bit nervous, I’ve got to say.
‘I’m sure it’ll be an amazing night. I’m honoured to just be part of the top six.’
The sprinter added: ‘I haven’t come down to Earth yet, I’m still in disbelief. I want to keep pushing and running faster and hopefully go for bigger things in Tokyo.’